The phone rings and the first question is "why do I need an appraisal for my taxidermy mounts"? Answering this question is easy, do you realize what you have invested in your trophies? Do you know the current replacement value of each taxidermy mount? Most hunters have never stopped to actually think about the investment that they have in all their taxidermy mounts. Also they don't have a list or pictures of each mount.
It is very important to have all your mounts cataloged and multiple photographs of every trophy mount available incase of a disaster. Keeping an electronic copy in the cloud or burnt on a CD in multiple places is and excellent idea. You could also have a bound copy or two at different locations, copies can be printed and bound at most office supply stores.
I would highly suggest getting a certified personal property appraiser to do this all for you, they will provide you an insurance appraisal. This report should include three photographs of every taxidermy mount along with the current replacement values for each trophy. The appraiser should deliver to you at least one printed and bound report and a PDF copy of this report. I would suggest burning the PDF on a number of CDs and file them away at other locations then where your trophies are located.
So the answer to why you need an insurance appraisal for your taxidermy mounts is because you don't have one and the information is vital to have available. Getting an appraisal is a small investment to cover your large investment. Your appraiser is required to keep on file your information for 5 years, this is another place where there will be a copy of your investment in your taxidermy mounts.
You can search taxidermy appraiser and find a qualified person on the internet, feel free to call them and ask questions.
Saturday 20 February 2016
Why Do I Need an Appraisal on My Taxidermy Mounts?
The phone rings and the first question is "why do I need an appraisal for my taxidermy mounts"? Answering this question is easy, do you realize what you have invested in your trophies? Do you know the current replacement value of each taxidermy mount? Most hunters have never stopped to actually think about the investment that they have in all their taxidermy mounts. Also they don't have a list or pictures of each mount.
It is very important to have all your mounts cataloged and multiple photographs of every trophy mount available incase of a disaster. Keeping an electronic copy in the cloud or burnt on a CD in multiple places is and excellent idea. You could also have a bound copy or two at different locations, copies can be printed and bound at most office supply stores.
I would highly suggest getting a certified personal property appraiser to do this all for you, they will provide you an insurance appraisal. This report should include three photographs of every taxidermy mount along with the current replacement values for each trophy. The appraiser should deliver to you at least one printed and bound report and a PDF copy of this report. I would suggest burning the PDF on a number of CDs and file them away at other locations then where your trophies are located.
So the answer to why you need an insurance appraisal for your taxidermy mounts is because you don't have one and the information is vital to have available. Getting an appraisal is a small investment to cover your large investment. Your appraiser is required to keep on file your information for 5 years, this is another place where there will be a copy of your investment in your taxidermy mounts.
You can search taxidermy appraiser and find a qualified person on the internet, feel free to call them and ask questions.
Look Beyond Traditional Ways to Take Care of Your Newborn Baby
A newborn baby brings bundles of joy and happiness in the family. When a baby is born, it is said that the parents are blessed with the baby. This statement in itself is sufficient to explain the importance of a newborn in the family.
It is the prime responsibility of parents to take care of the newborn in the best possible manner. There are times, when a baby requires to go through some immediate medical care in order to adjust as per the world. Sometimes, babies are born with some birth related issues and thus, require treatment.
In India, a large number of people get health plans so that their health care needs are met. If you are working in private sector, then your company may have taken a group insurance policy under which maternity is covered comprehensively.
But, most of the times, medical insurance including the group insurance policies do not cover a newborn baby. The reasons are quite apparent. There are lot of possibilities that a newborn requires medical treatment immediately after birth and thus insurance companies do not want to spend their revenues on such well-recognised possibilities.
Is there any way out? Yes, of course, if your employer's group health insurance policy does not cover newborn baby, do not worry. There are some specific health plans, which cover newborn babies right from the birth.
In order to avail this facility, you have to buy a separate policy. Star Comprehensive Insurance, for instance, is one such policy which covers delivery related complications as well as the newborn baby.
The plan covers delivery whether it is normal or caesarean plus all the pre-natal and post-natal expenses are also covered up to a certain limit. This limit is ascertained as per the amount of premium you pay.
The plan also covers vaccination of the child. Yes, only a handful of plans cover vaccination because that is a sure shot expenditure one must incur.
The only thing which you have to take care is that you have to be the policy holder for at least thirty six months prior to taking the above benefits.
Religare also offers a health insurance plan called 'Joy', which covers maternity as well as newborn baby without any condition on a specific period.
It is the prime responsibility of parents to take care of the newborn in the best possible manner. There are times, when a baby requires to go through some immediate medical care in order to adjust as per the world. Sometimes, babies are born with some birth related issues and thus, require treatment.
In India, a large number of people get health plans so that their health care needs are met. If you are working in private sector, then your company may have taken a group insurance policy under which maternity is covered comprehensively.
But, most of the times, medical insurance including the group insurance policies do not cover a newborn baby. The reasons are quite apparent. There are lot of possibilities that a newborn requires medical treatment immediately after birth and thus insurance companies do not want to spend their revenues on such well-recognised possibilities.
Is there any way out? Yes, of course, if your employer's group health insurance policy does not cover newborn baby, do not worry. There are some specific health plans, which cover newborn babies right from the birth.
In order to avail this facility, you have to buy a separate policy. Star Comprehensive Insurance, for instance, is one such policy which covers delivery related complications as well as the newborn baby.
The plan covers delivery whether it is normal or caesarean plus all the pre-natal and post-natal expenses are also covered up to a certain limit. This limit is ascertained as per the amount of premium you pay.
The plan also covers vaccination of the child. Yes, only a handful of plans cover vaccination because that is a sure shot expenditure one must incur.
The only thing which you have to take care is that you have to be the policy holder for at least thirty six months prior to taking the above benefits.
Religare also offers a health insurance plan called 'Joy', which covers maternity as well as newborn baby without any condition on a specific period.
Look Beyond Traditional Ways to Take Care of Your Newborn Baby
A newborn baby brings bundles of joy and happiness in the family. When a baby is born, it is said that the parents are blessed with the baby. This statement in itself is sufficient to explain the importance of a newborn in the family.
It is the prime responsibility of parents to take care of the newborn in the best possible manner. There are times, when a baby requires to go through some immediate medical care in order to adjust as per the world. Sometimes, babies are born with some birth related issues and thus, require treatment.
In India, a large number of people get health plans so that their health care needs are met. If you are working in private sector, then your company may have taken a group insurance policy under which maternity is covered comprehensively.
But, most of the times, medical insurance including the group insurance policies do not cover a newborn baby. The reasons are quite apparent. There are lot of possibilities that a newborn requires medical treatment immediately after birth and thus insurance companies do not want to spend their revenues on such well-recognised possibilities.
Is there any way out? Yes, of course, if your employer's group health insurance policy does not cover newborn baby, do not worry. There are some specific health plans, which cover newborn babies right from the birth.
In order to avail this facility, you have to buy a separate policy. Star Comprehensive Insurance, for instance, is one such policy which covers delivery related complications as well as the newborn baby.
The plan covers delivery whether it is normal or caesarean plus all the pre-natal and post-natal expenses are also covered up to a certain limit. This limit is ascertained as per the amount of premium you pay.
The plan also covers vaccination of the child. Yes, only a handful of plans cover vaccination because that is a sure shot expenditure one must incur.
The only thing which you have to take care is that you have to be the policy holder for at least thirty six months prior to taking the above benefits.
Religare also offers a health insurance plan called 'Joy', which covers maternity as well as newborn baby without any condition on a specific period.
Four Ways a Condo Warranty Can Benefit You
We have all had a dishwasher that puttered out or a washing machine that sat idle with clothes floating in a well of water. Fixing creaky old appliances can be costly, and it often seems there is no way of avoiding such expenses. However, many owners and renters have found a solution: purchasing a condo warranty.
Unlike insurance-which covers natural disasters, calamities, and theft-a warranty is a service contract that, among other things, covers major appliances for members of a condominium. These warranties are specifically designed to work within the existing support structure and services provided by your association, so you only pay for the protection you need. Here are four ways a condo warranty can benefit you.
Covers Major Home Appliances and Systems
While the definitions of major systems and appliances may vary from policy to policy, a condo warranty will typically cover HVAC, plumbing, electrical, hot water heaters, garbage disposals, dishwashers, stoves and ovens, washers and dryers, and garage doors. Refrigerators are often covered when they are in the property at the time of purchase. This can be even more beneficial in the event that a retailer or chain goes out of business and/or any coverage you have on the product lapses.
Enhances Market Value
Condo warranties are, in general, cost-saving tools when it comes to maintenance. However, they can also be an enhanced benefit in a competitive seller's market because they increase a unit's marketability. According to the National Home Warranty Association, units on the market that covered by warranties tend to sell about 50 percent faster than homes that are not.
Protects from Potential Post-Sale Legal Disputes
Warranties generally protect the condo's seller from post-sale legal disputes. They allow for the purchaser to invest with confidence, as they are given more security than what is offered by a statute of limitations, which, in most cases, only lasts four years. On the flip side, sellers can avoid legal disputes based on faulty or dysfunctional appliances and systems because they are covered. Of course, reviewing the fine print for specifics is always highly encouraged before purchasing a property.
Provides Peace of Mind
Out of the nine most crucial appliances in the home, at least one is expected to break down at some point in its 13-year average lifespan. A new buyer is assured some peace of mind in knowing that if something goes awry with any of the condo's major appliances or systems, they will likely be covered by the warranty.
Unlike insurance-which covers natural disasters, calamities, and theft-a warranty is a service contract that, among other things, covers major appliances for members of a condominium. These warranties are specifically designed to work within the existing support structure and services provided by your association, so you only pay for the protection you need. Here are four ways a condo warranty can benefit you.
Covers Major Home Appliances and Systems
While the definitions of major systems and appliances may vary from policy to policy, a condo warranty will typically cover HVAC, plumbing, electrical, hot water heaters, garbage disposals, dishwashers, stoves and ovens, washers and dryers, and garage doors. Refrigerators are often covered when they are in the property at the time of purchase. This can be even more beneficial in the event that a retailer or chain goes out of business and/or any coverage you have on the product lapses.
Enhances Market Value
Condo warranties are, in general, cost-saving tools when it comes to maintenance. However, they can also be an enhanced benefit in a competitive seller's market because they increase a unit's marketability. According to the National Home Warranty Association, units on the market that covered by warranties tend to sell about 50 percent faster than homes that are not.
Protects from Potential Post-Sale Legal Disputes
Warranties generally protect the condo's seller from post-sale legal disputes. They allow for the purchaser to invest with confidence, as they are given more security than what is offered by a statute of limitations, which, in most cases, only lasts four years. On the flip side, sellers can avoid legal disputes based on faulty or dysfunctional appliances and systems because they are covered. Of course, reviewing the fine print for specifics is always highly encouraged before purchasing a property.
Provides Peace of Mind
Out of the nine most crucial appliances in the home, at least one is expected to break down at some point in its 13-year average lifespan. A new buyer is assured some peace of mind in knowing that if something goes awry with any of the condo's major appliances or systems, they will likely be covered by the warranty.
Four Ways a Condo Warranty Can Benefit You
We have all had a dishwasher that puttered out or a washing machine that sat idle with clothes floating in a well of water. Fixing creaky old appliances can be costly, and it often seems there is no way of avoiding such expenses. However, many owners and renters have found a solution: purchasing a condo warranty.
Unlike insurance-which covers natural disasters, calamities, and theft-a warranty is a service contract that, among other things, covers major appliances for members of a condominium. These warranties are specifically designed to work within the existing support structure and services provided by your association, so you only pay for the protection you need. Here are four ways a condo warranty can benefit you.
Covers Major Home Appliances and Systems
While the definitions of major systems and appliances may vary from policy to policy, a condo warranty will typically cover HVAC, plumbing, electrical, hot water heaters, garbage disposals, dishwashers, stoves and ovens, washers and dryers, and garage doors. Refrigerators are often covered when they are in the property at the time of purchase. This can be even more beneficial in the event that a retailer or chain goes out of business and/or any coverage you have on the product lapses.
Enhances Market Value
Condo warranties are, in general, cost-saving tools when it comes to maintenance. However, they can also be an enhanced benefit in a competitive seller's market because they increase a unit's marketability. According to the National Home Warranty Association, units on the market that covered by warranties tend to sell about 50 percent faster than homes that are not.
Protects from Potential Post-Sale Legal Disputes
Warranties generally protect the condo's seller from post-sale legal disputes. They allow for the purchaser to invest with confidence, as they are given more security than what is offered by a statute of limitations, which, in most cases, only lasts four years. On the flip side, sellers can avoid legal disputes based on faulty or dysfunctional appliances and systems because they are covered. Of course, reviewing the fine print for specifics is always highly encouraged before purchasing a property.
Provides Peace of Mind
Out of the nine most crucial appliances in the home, at least one is expected to break down at some point in its 13-year average lifespan. A new buyer is assured some peace of mind in knowing that if something goes awry with any of the condo's major appliances or systems, they will likely be covered by the warranty.
Why You Need Liability Coverage From Your Insurance Company
Designed to cover professional practitioners against claims of negligence made by clients or patients, professional liability insurance goes by many names. When used in the medical profession, it is commonly called medical malpractice coverage. Notaries public also require this security, but they refer to it as errors and omissions insurance. Real estate brokers, management consultants, and even website developers are all eligible for protection.
What's It For?
Insurance is used to protect people in case something unfortunate happens. Auto policies protect them in the event of an accident; medical policies protect them from unexpected illnesses; commercial policies protect them from a number of mishaps. If there is a fire, theft, or an accident on the job, the commercial variety will cover it.
Why You Need It
Few companies are fortunate enough to survive for a protracted period of time without getting sued by a client, customer, or employee. Liability coverage from an insurance company is the only shield most businesses have against litigious attorneys. This goes double when an employer competes in a risky industry like construction. Why?
A construction site is arguably the most dangerous working environment on earth. Not because people are careless, but because making something, anything, is risky. Workers fall down stairs; they trip on cords; they cut themselves. Builders must assume this risk and purchase the right amount of coverage from their insurance company to protect them from financial ruin. But that's not all.
These policies not only shield the employer, but they also safeguard his workers. If an electrician falls off a ladder or a carpenter cuts himself, a liability policy will pay his medical bills. Commercial coverage will also cover most attorney fees and court costs if someone files a suit against you.
How Much Do You Need?
As you might expect, the size of the policy often depends on the size of the business. Most actuaries recommend at least one million dollars of professional liability coverage for small businesses. Large businesses and corporations obviously need a lot more and often carry huge policies. Because lawsuits are quite common in the medical profession, malpractice insurance is the most common form of liability coverage.
Most doctors have several million dollars of malpractice coverage at all times. When they work in a large practice, that figure might be five or even ten times as high. Lawyers and accountants must also carry liability because of the high rate of litigation in their fields. But what about everybody else?
Numerous Benefits
Any business that can be held financially responsible for failing to complete a project on time may need to purchase a professional liability policy from their insurance company. This includes general contractors, architects, builders, and many, many more. These policies also cover personal injury, breach of warranty, intellectual property, and security. In short, any company that has more than one employee should have liability coverage.
What's It For?
Insurance is used to protect people in case something unfortunate happens. Auto policies protect them in the event of an accident; medical policies protect them from unexpected illnesses; commercial policies protect them from a number of mishaps. If there is a fire, theft, or an accident on the job, the commercial variety will cover it.
Why You Need It
Few companies are fortunate enough to survive for a protracted period of time without getting sued by a client, customer, or employee. Liability coverage from an insurance company is the only shield most businesses have against litigious attorneys. This goes double when an employer competes in a risky industry like construction. Why?
A construction site is arguably the most dangerous working environment on earth. Not because people are careless, but because making something, anything, is risky. Workers fall down stairs; they trip on cords; they cut themselves. Builders must assume this risk and purchase the right amount of coverage from their insurance company to protect them from financial ruin. But that's not all.
These policies not only shield the employer, but they also safeguard his workers. If an electrician falls off a ladder or a carpenter cuts himself, a liability policy will pay his medical bills. Commercial coverage will also cover most attorney fees and court costs if someone files a suit against you.
How Much Do You Need?
As you might expect, the size of the policy often depends on the size of the business. Most actuaries recommend at least one million dollars of professional liability coverage for small businesses. Large businesses and corporations obviously need a lot more and often carry huge policies. Because lawsuits are quite common in the medical profession, malpractice insurance is the most common form of liability coverage.
Most doctors have several million dollars of malpractice coverage at all times. When they work in a large practice, that figure might be five or even ten times as high. Lawyers and accountants must also carry liability because of the high rate of litigation in their fields. But what about everybody else?
Numerous Benefits
Any business that can be held financially responsible for failing to complete a project on time may need to purchase a professional liability policy from their insurance company. This includes general contractors, architects, builders, and many, many more. These policies also cover personal injury, breach of warranty, intellectual property, and security. In short, any company that has more than one employee should have liability coverage.
Why You Need Liability Coverage From Your Insurance Company
Designed to cover professional practitioners against claims of negligence made by clients or patients, professional liability insurance goes by many names. When used in the medical profession, it is commonly called medical malpractice coverage. Notaries public also require this security, but they refer to it as errors and omissions insurance. Real estate brokers, management consultants, and even website developers are all eligible for protection.
What's It For?
Insurance is used to protect people in case something unfortunate happens. Auto policies protect them in the event of an accident; medical policies protect them from unexpected illnesses; commercial policies protect them from a number of mishaps. If there is a fire, theft, or an accident on the job, the commercial variety will cover it.
Why You Need It
Few companies are fortunate enough to survive for a protracted period of time without getting sued by a client, customer, or employee. Liability coverage from an insurance company is the only shield most businesses have against litigious attorneys. This goes double when an employer competes in a risky industry like construction. Why?
A construction site is arguably the most dangerous working environment on earth. Not because people are careless, but because making something, anything, is risky. Workers fall down stairs; they trip on cords; they cut themselves. Builders must assume this risk and purchase the right amount of coverage from their insurance company to protect them from financial ruin. But that's not all.
These policies not only shield the employer, but they also safeguard his workers. If an electrician falls off a ladder or a carpenter cuts himself, a liability policy will pay his medical bills. Commercial coverage will also cover most attorney fees and court costs if someone files a suit against you.
How Much Do You Need?
As you might expect, the size of the policy often depends on the size of the business. Most actuaries recommend at least one million dollars of professional liability coverage for small businesses. Large businesses and corporations obviously need a lot more and often carry huge policies. Because lawsuits are quite common in the medical profession, malpractice insurance is the most common form of liability coverage.
Most doctors have several million dollars of malpractice coverage at all times. When they work in a large practice, that figure might be five or even ten times as high. Lawyers and accountants must also carry liability because of the high rate of litigation in their fields. But what about everybody else?
Numerous Benefits
Any business that can be held financially responsible for failing to complete a project on time may need to purchase a professional liability policy from their insurance company. This includes general contractors, architects, builders, and many, many more. These policies also cover personal injury, breach of warranty, intellectual property, and security. In short, any company that has more than one employee should have liability coverage.
Don't Invalidate Fire Insurance
Don't invalidate your fire insurance policy.
I find this a very strange case but it just shows how important it is to read the small print as if you ignore the conditions of the policy your policy could be invalidated.
In this case it was a condition of the FIRE insurance that the SECURITY Alarm was maintained and monitored. Times had been tough for the insured and he let the maintenance of the security alarm lapse and as the ARC had not been paid for 6 months they stopped monitoring the site.
Vandals broke in and set fire to the factory. It was a furniture company and they incurred losses of over £750,000.
The case went to the High Court, the judge had nothing but sympathy for the Directors of the Company and he took 'no pleasure' in ruling that as it was a condition of the combined insurance policy that alarm was to be monitored by an external firm, the Insurers did not have to meet the claim.
There are often conditions attached to the insurance policies we take out which relate directly to the risk. We need to make sure our cars have valid MOTs in order not to invalidate the policy. We are required to notify the insurance company if we get a speeding fine but, to my mind oddly, you do not have to tell them if you decide to do the Speed Awareness Course rather than pay the fine.
I have just come across a case, now in front of the insurance Ombudsman, where an insurance company voided the policy and returned all the premiums because the policy holder had unwittingly exceed the value of the 'valuables' within their contents insurance. They had insured the contents of their house for £60,000 but there was a clause stating that the value of the valuables should not exceed 66% of this.
They had to rush their daughter to hospital, and while they were out the thieves struck taking goods and damaging the property to the value of £70,000. When assessing the claim the loss adjusters calculated that the value if the valuables in the house exceeded £40,000. Normally claims would be 'averaged' to reflect the under insurance, but the insurance company in this case argued that the under insurance voided the policy. As I said this case is in front of the ombudsman as I write.
Back to case in hand where a fire insurance claim was dismissed as a security alarm and monitoring were allowed to lapse. Clients of ours run a hotel and there is someone on reception all the time so if the fire alarm is activated there was always someone on duty to respond. We came round to the time when the annual contract with the ARC [monitoring station] needed to be renewed. The Hotel Manger wanted to cancel it as it was considered an unnecessary expense. I said I agreed but asked him to check with his insurers to make sure they had no objections. The Insurers confirmed; monitoring was a condition of the policy.
Often with in the insurance policy there is a clause that the fire alarm is maintained in accordance with British Standards. It would be interesting to know whether a similar claim has been dismissed as the Fire Alarm has not been adequately maintained.
I find this a very strange case but it just shows how important it is to read the small print as if you ignore the conditions of the policy your policy could be invalidated.
In this case it was a condition of the FIRE insurance that the SECURITY Alarm was maintained and monitored. Times had been tough for the insured and he let the maintenance of the security alarm lapse and as the ARC had not been paid for 6 months they stopped monitoring the site.
Vandals broke in and set fire to the factory. It was a furniture company and they incurred losses of over £750,000.
The case went to the High Court, the judge had nothing but sympathy for the Directors of the Company and he took 'no pleasure' in ruling that as it was a condition of the combined insurance policy that alarm was to be monitored by an external firm, the Insurers did not have to meet the claim.
There are often conditions attached to the insurance policies we take out which relate directly to the risk. We need to make sure our cars have valid MOTs in order not to invalidate the policy. We are required to notify the insurance company if we get a speeding fine but, to my mind oddly, you do not have to tell them if you decide to do the Speed Awareness Course rather than pay the fine.
I have just come across a case, now in front of the insurance Ombudsman, where an insurance company voided the policy and returned all the premiums because the policy holder had unwittingly exceed the value of the 'valuables' within their contents insurance. They had insured the contents of their house for £60,000 but there was a clause stating that the value of the valuables should not exceed 66% of this.
They had to rush their daughter to hospital, and while they were out the thieves struck taking goods and damaging the property to the value of £70,000. When assessing the claim the loss adjusters calculated that the value if the valuables in the house exceeded £40,000. Normally claims would be 'averaged' to reflect the under insurance, but the insurance company in this case argued that the under insurance voided the policy. As I said this case is in front of the ombudsman as I write.
Back to case in hand where a fire insurance claim was dismissed as a security alarm and monitoring were allowed to lapse. Clients of ours run a hotel and there is someone on reception all the time so if the fire alarm is activated there was always someone on duty to respond. We came round to the time when the annual contract with the ARC [monitoring station] needed to be renewed. The Hotel Manger wanted to cancel it as it was considered an unnecessary expense. I said I agreed but asked him to check with his insurers to make sure they had no objections. The Insurers confirmed; monitoring was a condition of the policy.
Often with in the insurance policy there is a clause that the fire alarm is maintained in accordance with British Standards. It would be interesting to know whether a similar claim has been dismissed as the Fire Alarm has not been adequately maintained.
Don't Invalidate Fire Insurance
Don't invalidate your fire insurance policy.
I find this a very strange case but it just shows how important it is to read the small print as if you ignore the conditions of the policy your policy could be invalidated.
In this case it was a condition of the FIRE insurance that the SECURITY Alarm was maintained and monitored. Times had been tough for the insured and he let the maintenance of the security alarm lapse and as the ARC had not been paid for 6 months they stopped monitoring the site.
Vandals broke in and set fire to the factory. It was a furniture company and they incurred losses of over £750,000.
The case went to the High Court, the judge had nothing but sympathy for the Directors of the Company and he took 'no pleasure' in ruling that as it was a condition of the combined insurance policy that alarm was to be monitored by an external firm, the Insurers did not have to meet the claim.
There are often conditions attached to the insurance policies we take out which relate directly to the risk. We need to make sure our cars have valid MOTs in order not to invalidate the policy. We are required to notify the insurance company if we get a speeding fine but, to my mind oddly, you do not have to tell them if you decide to do the Speed Awareness Course rather than pay the fine.
I have just come across a case, now in front of the insurance Ombudsman, where an insurance company voided the policy and returned all the premiums because the policy holder had unwittingly exceed the value of the 'valuables' within their contents insurance. They had insured the contents of their house for £60,000 but there was a clause stating that the value of the valuables should not exceed 66% of this.
They had to rush their daughter to hospital, and while they were out the thieves struck taking goods and damaging the property to the value of £70,000. When assessing the claim the loss adjusters calculated that the value if the valuables in the house exceeded £40,000. Normally claims would be 'averaged' to reflect the under insurance, but the insurance company in this case argued that the under insurance voided the policy. As I said this case is in front of the ombudsman as I write.
Back to case in hand where a fire insurance claim was dismissed as a security alarm and monitoring were allowed to lapse. Clients of ours run a hotel and there is someone on reception all the time so if the fire alarm is activated there was always someone on duty to respond. We came round to the time when the annual contract with the ARC [monitoring station] needed to be renewed. The Hotel Manger wanted to cancel it as it was considered an unnecessary expense. I said I agreed but asked him to check with his insurers to make sure they had no objections. The Insurers confirmed; monitoring was a condition of the policy.
Often with in the insurance policy there is a clause that the fire alarm is maintained in accordance with British Standards. It would be interesting to know whether a similar claim has been dismissed as the Fire Alarm has not been adequately maintained.
Core Agency Values - What Are They and Why Are They Important?
Let's begin with the question; why are agency values important? Agency values are important because they will likely determine the success or failure of your agency. Now that gets my attention.
Whenever the success or failure of a business venture rests on one concept, it warrants the time and effort to understand what's behind the question; what focus or concept do we believe will best produce the result we desire. So, one might ask; just exactly what are some agency values.
To begin, Values are what drives effort and effort is what produces results, good or bad. Effort in the wrong places seldom produces the right results. So there are really two things here that are important-Effort and Direction. While both are important, Effort comes first-you gotta have some before you can direct it. Today we are only talking about Effort, Direction is for another day.
An example of how values drive Effort is often and most visibly played out in sales. A lot of sales activity (Effort) often produces more sales but possibly not the right sales (Direction). Now here is the exciting part-You can really, control your effort by choosing the right Values and matching the talent of new hire to those Values. The key here is to understand that people work to satisfy their values, not yours and don't try to put into someone something that is not already there. All that boils down to looking for and hiring people who have values that match the agency needs.
So now it is beginning to get clear. Why do we want to know your agency values? Answer; so you can hire people with values similar to those of our agency. Now what are some agency Values of importance?
1. Theoretical Values- those who value knowledge and continuous learning or intellectual growth.
2. Traditional Values- those who value the tradition inherent in social structure, rules, regulations and principals.
3. Utilitarian Values- those who value achievement, results, and rewards for their investments of time, resources and energy.
4. Individualistic Values- those who value personal recognition, freedom and control over their future and the future of others.
5. Social Values- those who act to enhance the well-being of others.
6. Aesthetic Values- those who pursue a balance in their lives, who are creative, self-expressive and have a love for beauty and nature.
And here is the real important stuff, after 40 years of research and working with agencies, of all sizes, we know the values most likely to produce success in any situation.
Whenever the success or failure of a business venture rests on one concept, it warrants the time and effort to understand what's behind the question; what focus or concept do we believe will best produce the result we desire. So, one might ask; just exactly what are some agency values.
To begin, Values are what drives effort and effort is what produces results, good or bad. Effort in the wrong places seldom produces the right results. So there are really two things here that are important-Effort and Direction. While both are important, Effort comes first-you gotta have some before you can direct it. Today we are only talking about Effort, Direction is for another day.
An example of how values drive Effort is often and most visibly played out in sales. A lot of sales activity (Effort) often produces more sales but possibly not the right sales (Direction). Now here is the exciting part-You can really, control your effort by choosing the right Values and matching the talent of new hire to those Values. The key here is to understand that people work to satisfy their values, not yours and don't try to put into someone something that is not already there. All that boils down to looking for and hiring people who have values that match the agency needs.
So now it is beginning to get clear. Why do we want to know your agency values? Answer; so you can hire people with values similar to those of our agency. Now what are some agency Values of importance?
1. Theoretical Values- those who value knowledge and continuous learning or intellectual growth.
2. Traditional Values- those who value the tradition inherent in social structure, rules, regulations and principals.
3. Utilitarian Values- those who value achievement, results, and rewards for their investments of time, resources and energy.
4. Individualistic Values- those who value personal recognition, freedom and control over their future and the future of others.
5. Social Values- those who act to enhance the well-being of others.
6. Aesthetic Values- those who pursue a balance in their lives, who are creative, self-expressive and have a love for beauty and nature.
And here is the real important stuff, after 40 years of research and working with agencies, of all sizes, we know the values most likely to produce success in any situation.
Core Agency Values - What Are They and Why Are They Important?
Let's begin with the question; why are agency values important? Agency values are important because they will likely determine the success or failure of your agency. Now that gets my attention.
Whenever the success or failure of a business venture rests on one concept, it warrants the time and effort to understand what's behind the question; what focus or concept do we believe will best produce the result we desire. So, one might ask; just exactly what are some agency values.
To begin, Values are what drives effort and effort is what produces results, good or bad. Effort in the wrong places seldom produces the right results. So there are really two things here that are important-Effort and Direction. While both are important, Effort comes first-you gotta have some before you can direct it. Today we are only talking about Effort, Direction is for another day.
An example of how values drive Effort is often and most visibly played out in sales. A lot of sales activity (Effort) often produces more sales but possibly not the right sales (Direction). Now here is the exciting part-You can really, control your effort by choosing the right Values and matching the talent of new hire to those Values. The key here is to understand that people work to satisfy their values, not yours and don't try to put into someone something that is not already there. All that boils down to looking for and hiring people who have values that match the agency needs.
So now it is beginning to get clear. Why do we want to know your agency values? Answer; so you can hire people with values similar to those of our agency. Now what are some agency Values of importance?
1. Theoretical Values- those who value knowledge and continuous learning or intellectual growth.
2. Traditional Values- those who value the tradition inherent in social structure, rules, regulations and principals.
3. Utilitarian Values- those who value achievement, results, and rewards for their investments of time, resources and energy.
4. Individualistic Values- those who value personal recognition, freedom and control over their future and the future of others.
5. Social Values- those who act to enhance the well-being of others.
6. Aesthetic Values- those who pursue a balance in their lives, who are creative, self-expressive and have a love for beauty and nature.
And here is the real important stuff, after 40 years of research and working with agencies, of all sizes, we know the values most likely to produce success in any situation.
Should Your Insurance Company Offer Cyber Protection?
Cyber security has become a growing concern for U.S. companies over the past couple of years, and for good reason. Information breaches have not only become increasingly common, but also much larger. Nothing illustrates the state of modern web security quite as well as the most recent breach, which saw hackers target the IRS by exploiting faulty security to compromise over 100,000 taxpayer records.
Similar breaches have also affected much smaller companies, and it's common to see a forward-thinking insurance company racing to adapt. Here is what you need to know to determine if, first, you're actually in need of cyber insurance and, second, what you should look for in a policy.
Are You At Risk?
If you work with customer information of any kind, then the answer is likely yes. The term to look out for here is Personally Identifiable Information, or PII. It's not a technical term, but rather a legal term that carries some teeth if you have to deal with it.
At its root, PII is any piece of collected information that could potentially allow a third party to identify a business's individual clients. Given how good the Internet is at leveraging even tiny hints to track down a person, that definition is awfully broad. Full names, email addresses, site nicknames, and (sometimes) even web cookies can all qualify as PII.
If you're storing anything that falls under the PII umbrella, you're at risk of a breach. Breaches are enormously costly, both for affected customers and for the company responsible for the loss. Companies in the healthcare and retail industries are obviously at an increased risk, but when it comes down to it, any business that makes a habit of collecting information should ask their insurance company about cyber policies.
What Your Cyber Policy Needs
You'll need to look for a few things in any cyber insurance policy. As you may expect, a good policy should cover the financial damages directly caused by a breach. However, cyber attacks can cause financial damage in a wide variety of ways. In particular, make sure that your company is protected against:
- Losses caused by lost time and productivity. A major hack can cause company gears to grind to a halt. Find an insurance company that guarantees coverage for the revenue lost during this period.
- Indemnification caused by a third party. Few modern companies handle their data on their own. Outsourced IT support or other companies can fall victim to a breach that affects your customers.
- Loss of Reputation. Breached companies, even those that have done their due diligence, almost always take a PR hit in the wake of an attack. A good policy offers some cushioning against the customer losses that generally ensue.
Finally, also try your best to work with an insurance company that has an educational component. Some plans will also come with training to avoid a breach. As nice as protection is, it's safe to say that it's best left unused. Installing a set of best practices can help keep you from having to rely on a safety net in the first place.
Similar breaches have also affected much smaller companies, and it's common to see a forward-thinking insurance company racing to adapt. Here is what you need to know to determine if, first, you're actually in need of cyber insurance and, second, what you should look for in a policy.
Are You At Risk?
If you work with customer information of any kind, then the answer is likely yes. The term to look out for here is Personally Identifiable Information, or PII. It's not a technical term, but rather a legal term that carries some teeth if you have to deal with it.
At its root, PII is any piece of collected information that could potentially allow a third party to identify a business's individual clients. Given how good the Internet is at leveraging even tiny hints to track down a person, that definition is awfully broad. Full names, email addresses, site nicknames, and (sometimes) even web cookies can all qualify as PII.
If you're storing anything that falls under the PII umbrella, you're at risk of a breach. Breaches are enormously costly, both for affected customers and for the company responsible for the loss. Companies in the healthcare and retail industries are obviously at an increased risk, but when it comes down to it, any business that makes a habit of collecting information should ask their insurance company about cyber policies.
What Your Cyber Policy Needs
You'll need to look for a few things in any cyber insurance policy. As you may expect, a good policy should cover the financial damages directly caused by a breach. However, cyber attacks can cause financial damage in a wide variety of ways. In particular, make sure that your company is protected against:
- Losses caused by lost time and productivity. A major hack can cause company gears to grind to a halt. Find an insurance company that guarantees coverage for the revenue lost during this period.
- Indemnification caused by a third party. Few modern companies handle their data on their own. Outsourced IT support or other companies can fall victim to a breach that affects your customers.
- Loss of Reputation. Breached companies, even those that have done their due diligence, almost always take a PR hit in the wake of an attack. A good policy offers some cushioning against the customer losses that generally ensue.
Finally, also try your best to work with an insurance company that has an educational component. Some plans will also come with training to avoid a breach. As nice as protection is, it's safe to say that it's best left unused. Installing a set of best practices can help keep you from having to rely on a safety net in the first place.
Should Your Insurance Company Offer Cyber Protection?
Cyber security has become a growing concern for U.S. companies over the past couple of years, and for good reason. Information breaches have not only become increasingly common, but also much larger. Nothing illustrates the state of modern web security quite as well as the most recent breach, which saw hackers target the IRS by exploiting faulty security to compromise over 100,000 taxpayer records.
Similar breaches have also affected much smaller companies, and it's common to see a forward-thinking insurance company racing to adapt. Here is what you need to know to determine if, first, you're actually in need of cyber insurance and, second, what you should look for in a policy.
Are You At Risk?
If you work with customer information of any kind, then the answer is likely yes. The term to look out for here is Personally Identifiable Information, or PII. It's not a technical term, but rather a legal term that carries some teeth if you have to deal with it.
At its root, PII is any piece of collected information that could potentially allow a third party to identify a business's individual clients. Given how good the Internet is at leveraging even tiny hints to track down a person, that definition is awfully broad. Full names, email addresses, site nicknames, and (sometimes) even web cookies can all qualify as PII.
If you're storing anything that falls under the PII umbrella, you're at risk of a breach. Breaches are enormously costly, both for affected customers and for the company responsible for the loss. Companies in the healthcare and retail industries are obviously at an increased risk, but when it comes down to it, any business that makes a habit of collecting information should ask their insurance company about cyber policies.
What Your Cyber Policy Needs
You'll need to look for a few things in any cyber insurance policy. As you may expect, a good policy should cover the financial damages directly caused by a breach. However, cyber attacks can cause financial damage in a wide variety of ways. In particular, make sure that your company is protected against:
- Losses caused by lost time and productivity. A major hack can cause company gears to grind to a halt. Find an insurance company that guarantees coverage for the revenue lost during this period.
- Indemnification caused by a third party. Few modern companies handle their data on their own. Outsourced IT support or other companies can fall victim to a breach that affects your customers.
- Loss of Reputation. Breached companies, even those that have done their due diligence, almost always take a PR hit in the wake of an attack. A good policy offers some cushioning against the customer losses that generally ensue.
Finally, also try your best to work with an insurance company that has an educational component. Some plans will also come with training to avoid a breach. As nice as protection is, it's safe to say that it's best left unused. Installing a set of best practices can help keep you from having to rely on a safety net in the first place.
Insurance Quotes in a Digital Age
Insurance is great. Yes, it can be a hassle to find. Sorting out the pricing and policies can be complicated. So what if the whole thing could be made as easy as pushing a button? The great news is that it almost has.
What Makes it Frustrating
Making the monthly payment on a premium can be frustrating, but it's easy. Once you file a claim, you realize how much that monthly payment was worth it. Finding the right policy, on the other hand, can be a challenge. There are policies for your home, condo, apartment, motorcycle, car, and health. Also, there are many different companies. Getting insurance quotes from each carrier can take much more time than you have available. Once people find coverage, they rarely re-evaluate it to see if it is still the best option available.
Technological Evolutions
Luckily, the Internet has revolutionized insurance quotes. Trained agents can help you identify what your priorities are and which policy best meets your individual needs. Filling out a simple form online can generate quotes from several major carriers at once. Many agencies are also now able to incorporate smaller, more specialized carriers into their networks as well. The ability to organize and sort through so much information so quickly has made getting insurance quotes almost push-button simple.
Working Closely with an Agent
Getting a variety of insurance quotes is just the first step. The most affordable policy may not be the one that best meets your needs. Understanding the often complex policy language can be a daunting task. At this point, it is essential to get a trained agent involved. Like many service professionals today, agents are highly trained and strictly regulated. They are a personal part of their clients' lives because they are helping to protect the most valuable aspects of a client's life: their health, home, and family. You should be able to work closely with an agent who knows you and understands your priorities.
Your agent can sit down with you and evaluate each of the quotes individually. Together, you can structure a comprehensive package that addresses your coverage needs and financial commitments. The package may consist of the best policies from several carriers or a single umbrella. The use of digital technology allows for highly personalized packages of coverage. With access to so many quotes and coverage options at your fingertips, what you decide to do is up to you.
Obviously finding a safe level of coverage is not something you want to put off until you need it. The task of obtaining insurance quotes and sorting through coverage packages used to prevent people from shopping for insurance. New technology and highly trained agents have simplified the process. Highly personalized packages can provide better coverage and save you money. If you haven't looked at your insurance lately, now is a great time.
What Makes it Frustrating
Making the monthly payment on a premium can be frustrating, but it's easy. Once you file a claim, you realize how much that monthly payment was worth it. Finding the right policy, on the other hand, can be a challenge. There are policies for your home, condo, apartment, motorcycle, car, and health. Also, there are many different companies. Getting insurance quotes from each carrier can take much more time than you have available. Once people find coverage, they rarely re-evaluate it to see if it is still the best option available.
Technological Evolutions
Luckily, the Internet has revolutionized insurance quotes. Trained agents can help you identify what your priorities are and which policy best meets your individual needs. Filling out a simple form online can generate quotes from several major carriers at once. Many agencies are also now able to incorporate smaller, more specialized carriers into their networks as well. The ability to organize and sort through so much information so quickly has made getting insurance quotes almost push-button simple.
Working Closely with an Agent
Getting a variety of insurance quotes is just the first step. The most affordable policy may not be the one that best meets your needs. Understanding the often complex policy language can be a daunting task. At this point, it is essential to get a trained agent involved. Like many service professionals today, agents are highly trained and strictly regulated. They are a personal part of their clients' lives because they are helping to protect the most valuable aspects of a client's life: their health, home, and family. You should be able to work closely with an agent who knows you and understands your priorities.
Your agent can sit down with you and evaluate each of the quotes individually. Together, you can structure a comprehensive package that addresses your coverage needs and financial commitments. The package may consist of the best policies from several carriers or a single umbrella. The use of digital technology allows for highly personalized packages of coverage. With access to so many quotes and coverage options at your fingertips, what you decide to do is up to you.
Obviously finding a safe level of coverage is not something you want to put off until you need it. The task of obtaining insurance quotes and sorting through coverage packages used to prevent people from shopping for insurance. New technology and highly trained agents have simplified the process. Highly personalized packages can provide better coverage and save you money. If you haven't looked at your insurance lately, now is a great time.
Insurance Quotes in a Digital Age
Insurance is great. Yes, it can be a hassle to find. Sorting out the pricing and policies can be complicated. So what if the whole thing could be made as easy as pushing a button? The great news is that it almost has.
What Makes it Frustrating
Making the monthly payment on a premium can be frustrating, but it's easy. Once you file a claim, you realize how much that monthly payment was worth it. Finding the right policy, on the other hand, can be a challenge. There are policies for your home, condo, apartment, motorcycle, car, and health. Also, there are many different companies. Getting insurance quotes from each carrier can take much more time than you have available. Once people find coverage, they rarely re-evaluate it to see if it is still the best option available.
Technological Evolutions
Luckily, the Internet has revolutionized insurance quotes. Trained agents can help you identify what your priorities are and which policy best meets your individual needs. Filling out a simple form online can generate quotes from several major carriers at once. Many agencies are also now able to incorporate smaller, more specialized carriers into their networks as well. The ability to organize and sort through so much information so quickly has made getting insurance quotes almost push-button simple.
Working Closely with an Agent
Getting a variety of insurance quotes is just the first step. The most affordable policy may not be the one that best meets your needs. Understanding the often complex policy language can be a daunting task. At this point, it is essential to get a trained agent involved. Like many service professionals today, agents are highly trained and strictly regulated. They are a personal part of their clients' lives because they are helping to protect the most valuable aspects of a client's life: their health, home, and family. You should be able to work closely with an agent who knows you and understands your priorities.
Your agent can sit down with you and evaluate each of the quotes individually. Together, you can structure a comprehensive package that addresses your coverage needs and financial commitments. The package may consist of the best policies from several carriers or a single umbrella. The use of digital technology allows for highly personalized packages of coverage. With access to so many quotes and coverage options at your fingertips, what you decide to do is up to you.
Obviously finding a safe level of coverage is not something you want to put off until you need it. The task of obtaining insurance quotes and sorting through coverage packages used to prevent people from shopping for insurance. New technology and highly trained agents have simplified the process. Highly personalized packages can provide better coverage and save you money. If you haven't looked at your insurance lately, now is a great time.
What Is Executive Pension Plan?
As the name implies, an executive pension plan is a tax-efficient savings plan designed especially for executives, senior executives, key employees and directors of a company. It is one of the best forms of pension schemes that enable the executives to get a tax-free income after retirement.
How does this work?
Executive Pension Plan is regulated by the Pensions Regulator. In most cases the employer pays into the plan, in others, both the employer and the employee pay in the plan. Thus a tax-efficient fund is designed for the employee. This is used to provide tax-free cash and a pension income to the executive after his retirement. Executive pension plans are similar to any other pension schemes in which they function as money purchase occupational pension schemes.
Normally, Executive Pension Plans (EPPs) are designed by the company directors for their personal benefit. But it can be utilized by their favoured key employees with the same levels of income that this investment can offer. In such cases, the pension fund is held up under a trust in which the trustees are responsible for the day-to-day administration activities like ensuring if the payment contributions and the payout benefits are maintained regularly. Under this scheme, each employee can have the liberty to retire early or to work past the company's retirement date.
Benefits:
The executive pension plan has huge benefits for the employers when it comes to recruiting potential employees. Employers can attract and motivate the employees and reward them with EPP schemes based on their performance. Showering performance incentives for your employees can be a good idea. But still offering them a long term benefit, something which they could count on even after their active working years allows them to understand that they are your important business assets.
Another benefit of executive pension plan is that certain schemes are eligible for a top up. With an increase in the life expectancy of the applicant, topping up the plan can help in building a larger fund that guarantees a high level of income post retirement.
Moreover, the employees feel comfortable as most of the schemes do not require their regular contribution. Their company will contribute a particular sum of money that goes into their executive pension plan which will mature at the time of their retirement. This is the extra benefit from executive pension schemes that are more advantageous than other forms of plans. With this plan in hand, each employee is guaranteed of tax-free returns for the rest of their life. It also forms part of their main income source which they can depend on at all times.
When it comes to the retirement date, each employee can choose their own year of retirement. They can either choose to retire early or to work past the company's set date of retirement. Whatever the choice is, the employee will still be able to enjoy a worry-free income for the rest of his life. All these advantages attract a large number of executives to sign up for a pension plan that guarantees long time tax-free income.
How does this work?
Executive Pension Plan is regulated by the Pensions Regulator. In most cases the employer pays into the plan, in others, both the employer and the employee pay in the plan. Thus a tax-efficient fund is designed for the employee. This is used to provide tax-free cash and a pension income to the executive after his retirement. Executive pension plans are similar to any other pension schemes in which they function as money purchase occupational pension schemes.
Normally, Executive Pension Plans (EPPs) are designed by the company directors for their personal benefit. But it can be utilized by their favoured key employees with the same levels of income that this investment can offer. In such cases, the pension fund is held up under a trust in which the trustees are responsible for the day-to-day administration activities like ensuring if the payment contributions and the payout benefits are maintained regularly. Under this scheme, each employee can have the liberty to retire early or to work past the company's retirement date.
Benefits:
The executive pension plan has huge benefits for the employers when it comes to recruiting potential employees. Employers can attract and motivate the employees and reward them with EPP schemes based on their performance. Showering performance incentives for your employees can be a good idea. But still offering them a long term benefit, something which they could count on even after their active working years allows them to understand that they are your important business assets.
Another benefit of executive pension plan is that certain schemes are eligible for a top up. With an increase in the life expectancy of the applicant, topping up the plan can help in building a larger fund that guarantees a high level of income post retirement.
Moreover, the employees feel comfortable as most of the schemes do not require their regular contribution. Their company will contribute a particular sum of money that goes into their executive pension plan which will mature at the time of their retirement. This is the extra benefit from executive pension schemes that are more advantageous than other forms of plans. With this plan in hand, each employee is guaranteed of tax-free returns for the rest of their life. It also forms part of their main income source which they can depend on at all times.
When it comes to the retirement date, each employee can choose their own year of retirement. They can either choose to retire early or to work past the company's set date of retirement. Whatever the choice is, the employee will still be able to enjoy a worry-free income for the rest of his life. All these advantages attract a large number of executives to sign up for a pension plan that guarantees long time tax-free income.
Do Childcare Facilities Need Employment Practices Liability Insurance?
Protection for You
You've got a state-of-the-art child daycare built around a warm, clean and safe atmosphere. The teachers are handpicked professionals that give kids undivided attention, stimulation and fun learning. Children are happy. Staff is fulfilled. Parents are proud. What could go wrong?
Unfortunately, a lot of things - that your general business liability insurance does not cover.
Childcare Claim Examples that Really Occurred!
• Third Party Liability: After a Montessori School stated they could not admit a child due to licensed limited capacity, the parents sued for racial discrimination. The parents insisted that the school had a non-admission policy for African American children and mentioned the fact that the student body did not contain even one African American. Defense and Settlement costs totaled: $67,000.
• Internet / Email Liability: An administrative assistant for a childcare facility sent an email to all employees instead of her intended single recipient. The email contained an embarrassing inappropriate joke. The center's director instructed the employee to send a subsequent apology email to everyone. Just 2 months later, an employee that was laid off due to company downsizing, sued because of a hostile work environment and cited the inappropriate email as proof of an atmosphere that did not respect her religious principles. The facility was discomfited and uninterested in having this lawsuit revealed to the parents.
• Retaliation: An Indian childcare employee objected to the racial insults directed at him by some of his fellow workers. As a result, the owner assigned him to another room where there was less of a staff presence. The new situation warranted less work-time and therefore his hours were reduced. The slighted employee sued the childcare center for discrimination and retaliation for relating the discrimination. Defense and Settlement costs totaled: $125,000.
• Wage and Hour: A Non-Exempt head teacher was covertly tracking hours as she worked the overtime that was requested of her. As a salaried worker, this teacher never mentioned any grievance about the additional workload. When the owner was served a wage-and-hour lawsuit by the teacher, he was caught by surprise. Although there was no way to discern if the teacher's calculations regarding her work hours were precise, the center was guided by their lawyer to settle for the presented amount rather than take the risk of other present and past employees joining the lawsuit.
Employment Practices Liability Insurance
Employee-related claims come at a steep price. Protect your childcare center from a lawsuit with an EPLI plan that's tailored to you.
EPLI
An EPLI policy protects you against lawsuit claims made by current, past and possible employers, as well as visitors. It's coverage for a wide range of suits that stem from:
1. Wrongful termination
2. Discrimination
3. Sexual harassment
4. Service refusal
5. Other employee claims
You've got a state-of-the-art child daycare built around a warm, clean and safe atmosphere. The teachers are handpicked professionals that give kids undivided attention, stimulation and fun learning. Children are happy. Staff is fulfilled. Parents are proud. What could go wrong?
Unfortunately, a lot of things - that your general business liability insurance does not cover.
Childcare Claim Examples that Really Occurred!
• Third Party Liability: After a Montessori School stated they could not admit a child due to licensed limited capacity, the parents sued for racial discrimination. The parents insisted that the school had a non-admission policy for African American children and mentioned the fact that the student body did not contain even one African American. Defense and Settlement costs totaled: $67,000.
• Internet / Email Liability: An administrative assistant for a childcare facility sent an email to all employees instead of her intended single recipient. The email contained an embarrassing inappropriate joke. The center's director instructed the employee to send a subsequent apology email to everyone. Just 2 months later, an employee that was laid off due to company downsizing, sued because of a hostile work environment and cited the inappropriate email as proof of an atmosphere that did not respect her religious principles. The facility was discomfited and uninterested in having this lawsuit revealed to the parents.
• Retaliation: An Indian childcare employee objected to the racial insults directed at him by some of his fellow workers. As a result, the owner assigned him to another room where there was less of a staff presence. The new situation warranted less work-time and therefore his hours were reduced. The slighted employee sued the childcare center for discrimination and retaliation for relating the discrimination. Defense and Settlement costs totaled: $125,000.
• Wage and Hour: A Non-Exempt head teacher was covertly tracking hours as she worked the overtime that was requested of her. As a salaried worker, this teacher never mentioned any grievance about the additional workload. When the owner was served a wage-and-hour lawsuit by the teacher, he was caught by surprise. Although there was no way to discern if the teacher's calculations regarding her work hours were precise, the center was guided by their lawyer to settle for the presented amount rather than take the risk of other present and past employees joining the lawsuit.
Employment Practices Liability Insurance
Employee-related claims come at a steep price. Protect your childcare center from a lawsuit with an EPLI plan that's tailored to you.
EPLI
An EPLI policy protects you against lawsuit claims made by current, past and possible employers, as well as visitors. It's coverage for a wide range of suits that stem from:
1. Wrongful termination
2. Discrimination
3. Sexual harassment
4. Service refusal
5. Other employee claims
What Is Executive Pension Plan?
As the name implies, an executive pension plan is a tax-efficient savings plan designed especially for executives, senior executives, key employees and directors of a company. It is one of the best forms of pension schemes that enable the executives to get a tax-free income after retirement.
How does this work?
Executive Pension Plan is regulated by the Pensions Regulator. In most cases the employer pays into the plan, in others, both the employer and the employee pay in the plan. Thus a tax-efficient fund is designed for the employee. This is used to provide tax-free cash and a pension income to the executive after his retirement. Executive pension plans are similar to any other pension schemes in which they function as money purchase occupational pension schemes.
Normally, Executive Pension Plans (EPPs) are designed by the company directors for their personal benefit. But it can be utilized by their favoured key employees with the same levels of income that this investment can offer. In such cases, the pension fund is held up under a trust in which the trustees are responsible for the day-to-day administration activities like ensuring if the payment contributions and the payout benefits are maintained regularly. Under this scheme, each employee can have the liberty to retire early or to work past the company's retirement date.
Benefits:
The executive pension plan has huge benefits for the employers when it comes to recruiting potential employees. Employers can attract and motivate the employees and reward them with EPP schemes based on their performance. Showering performance incentives for your employees can be a good idea. But still offering them a long term benefit, something which they could count on even after their active working years allows them to understand that they are your important business assets.
Another benefit of executive pension plan is that certain schemes are eligible for a top up. With an increase in the life expectancy of the applicant, topping up the plan can help in building a larger fund that guarantees a high level of income post retirement.
Moreover, the employees feel comfortable as most of the schemes do not require their regular contribution. Their company will contribute a particular sum of money that goes into their executive pension plan which will mature at the time of their retirement. This is the extra benefit from executive pension schemes that are more advantageous than other forms of plans. With this plan in hand, each employee is guaranteed of tax-free returns for the rest of their life. It also forms part of their main income source which they can depend on at all times.
When it comes to the retirement date, each employee can choose their own year of retirement. They can either choose to retire early or to work past the company's set date of retirement. Whatever the choice is, the employee will still be able to enjoy a worry-free income for the rest of his life. All these advantages attract a large number of executives to sign up for a pension plan that guarantees long time tax-free income.
Do Childcare Facilities Need Employment Practices Liability Insurance?
Protection for You
You've got a state-of-the-art child daycare built around a warm, clean and safe atmosphere. The teachers are handpicked professionals that give kids undivided attention, stimulation and fun learning. Children are happy. Staff is fulfilled. Parents are proud. What could go wrong?
Unfortunately, a lot of things - that your general business liability insurance does not cover.
Childcare Claim Examples that Really Occurred!
• Third Party Liability: After a Montessori School stated they could not admit a child due to licensed limited capacity, the parents sued for racial discrimination. The parents insisted that the school had a non-admission policy for African American children and mentioned the fact that the student body did not contain even one African American. Defense and Settlement costs totaled: $67,000.
• Internet / Email Liability: An administrative assistant for a childcare facility sent an email to all employees instead of her intended single recipient. The email contained an embarrassing inappropriate joke. The center's director instructed the employee to send a subsequent apology email to everyone. Just 2 months later, an employee that was laid off due to company downsizing, sued because of a hostile work environment and cited the inappropriate email as proof of an atmosphere that did not respect her religious principles. The facility was discomfited and uninterested in having this lawsuit revealed to the parents.
• Retaliation: An Indian childcare employee objected to the racial insults directed at him by some of his fellow workers. As a result, the owner assigned him to another room where there was less of a staff presence. The new situation warranted less work-time and therefore his hours were reduced. The slighted employee sued the childcare center for discrimination and retaliation for relating the discrimination. Defense and Settlement costs totaled: $125,000.
• Wage and Hour: A Non-Exempt head teacher was covertly tracking hours as she worked the overtime that was requested of her. As a salaried worker, this teacher never mentioned any grievance about the additional workload. When the owner was served a wage-and-hour lawsuit by the teacher, he was caught by surprise. Although there was no way to discern if the teacher's calculations regarding her work hours were precise, the center was guided by their lawyer to settle for the presented amount rather than take the risk of other present and past employees joining the lawsuit.
Employment Practices Liability Insurance
Employee-related claims come at a steep price. Protect your childcare center from a lawsuit with an EPLI plan that's tailored to you.
EPLI
An EPLI policy protects you against lawsuit claims made by current, past and possible employers, as well as visitors. It's coverage for a wide range of suits that stem from:
1. Wrongful termination
2. Discrimination
3. Sexual harassment
4. Service refusal
5. Other employee claims
Insurance for the Gum Industry? There's Coverage Every Chomp of the Way!
"I chew gum because it distracts me from eating and helps curb my appetite."
Those that think chewing gum can be used as an aid to dieting or to maintain proper food consumption, may have another thing coming to them. According to studies, the gains, made by the associated reduction of hunger, is mitigated by the resulting ingestion of less nutritious foods than non gum-chewers. Results of research in fact show that gum chewers are more prone to eat junk food, such as potato chips and candy. The junk food preference may well be the after-effects of the common gum mint flavor that causes fruit and vegetable to taste bitter.
Desperately need that stick of gum? Check out these suggestions to curb food cravings and relieve life's stress; they may just be the perfect substitute!
To reduce food cravings:
• Drink more water
• Exercise
• Don't skip breakfast
• Eat wholesome, protein-rich small meals, frequently, instead of three large daily meals
• Satisfy yourself with tea
To relieve life's stress:
• Eat wholesome foods and don't skip breakfast
• Enjoy a hot glass of chamomile or green tea
• Take a brisk walk
• Exercise
• Refresh yourself with a drink of water
• Catch a brief catnap
• Use relaxing breathing techniques
Who created gum in the first place?
Incredible as it seems, the concept of gum dates back at least to the time of the Greek Empire when people would chew on resin from the mastic tree, named specifically because of the chomping that it provided for humans. Back then, the activity served dually as a tooth-cleaning exercise and a breath freshener. Later, The New England colonists learned the art of spruce resin gum chewing from the Native Americans that they encountered.
Like many innovations, contemporary chewing gum is a product of a business manufacturing gaffe.
In 1869, the exiled previous Mexican president, Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, lived in Staten Island. Hearing the rumors about latex derived from a tree in Yucatan that might be rubber's counterpart, he decided to try his luck in the venture despite any potential risks or liability losses that the undertaking might have. After purchasing a massive amount, he hired the inventor, Thomas Adams, to process it. Unfortunately, there was no insurance coverage policy that protected either de Santa Anna or Adams. Not only did the assignment fail, it left poor Adams with a surplus of 'useless' material.
Then, Adams detected some notable qualities in the substance. In its dried form, the latex was insoluble in water; in addition, it was fairly plastic. Placing it in his mouth, Adams discovered a chewable pleasure, likened to the paraffin matter sold in drug stores of the times.
In 1871, the 'failed' inventor patented his gum, ultimately adding flavors that forwarded his brand. Adam's gum became a genuine sensation when the Wrigley Company expanded the popularity with advertising.
Despite the success that developed until today, you can bet your bottom dollar that Wrigley's currently has the necessary general liability, business insurance and commercial auto insurance that protect their booming enterprise from lawsuits, claims, and so on.
Those that think chewing gum can be used as an aid to dieting or to maintain proper food consumption, may have another thing coming to them. According to studies, the gains, made by the associated reduction of hunger, is mitigated by the resulting ingestion of less nutritious foods than non gum-chewers. Results of research in fact show that gum chewers are more prone to eat junk food, such as potato chips and candy. The junk food preference may well be the after-effects of the common gum mint flavor that causes fruit and vegetable to taste bitter.
Desperately need that stick of gum? Check out these suggestions to curb food cravings and relieve life's stress; they may just be the perfect substitute!
To reduce food cravings:
• Drink more water
• Exercise
• Don't skip breakfast
• Eat wholesome, protein-rich small meals, frequently, instead of three large daily meals
• Satisfy yourself with tea
To relieve life's stress:
• Eat wholesome foods and don't skip breakfast
• Enjoy a hot glass of chamomile or green tea
• Take a brisk walk
• Exercise
• Refresh yourself with a drink of water
• Catch a brief catnap
• Use relaxing breathing techniques
Who created gum in the first place?
Incredible as it seems, the concept of gum dates back at least to the time of the Greek Empire when people would chew on resin from the mastic tree, named specifically because of the chomping that it provided for humans. Back then, the activity served dually as a tooth-cleaning exercise and a breath freshener. Later, The New England colonists learned the art of spruce resin gum chewing from the Native Americans that they encountered.
Like many innovations, contemporary chewing gum is a product of a business manufacturing gaffe.
In 1869, the exiled previous Mexican president, Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, lived in Staten Island. Hearing the rumors about latex derived from a tree in Yucatan that might be rubber's counterpart, he decided to try his luck in the venture despite any potential risks or liability losses that the undertaking might have. After purchasing a massive amount, he hired the inventor, Thomas Adams, to process it. Unfortunately, there was no insurance coverage policy that protected either de Santa Anna or Adams. Not only did the assignment fail, it left poor Adams with a surplus of 'useless' material.
Then, Adams detected some notable qualities in the substance. In its dried form, the latex was insoluble in water; in addition, it was fairly plastic. Placing it in his mouth, Adams discovered a chewable pleasure, likened to the paraffin matter sold in drug stores of the times.
In 1871, the 'failed' inventor patented his gum, ultimately adding flavors that forwarded his brand. Adam's gum became a genuine sensation when the Wrigley Company expanded the popularity with advertising.
Despite the success that developed until today, you can bet your bottom dollar that Wrigley's currently has the necessary general liability, business insurance and commercial auto insurance that protect their booming enterprise from lawsuits, claims, and so on.
Compare Term Plans, Buy the Bes
You are working so hard to meet the needs and desires of your family. You have high hopes for their future. All your efforts are sincerely driven so that they lead a good life and occupy respectable positions in the family. But as we all know about the uncertainty of life in this mortal world, things don't seem that bright once we are not there with them. They would miss our care, our guidance and of course the money that we bring in to sustain them. There comes the role of life insurance, specifically term insurance. Term plans are designed with the intension to replace your income and make your loss to your family easier to some extent. A fixed sum is agreed to be paid by the insurer at the commencement of the plan, which is in fact a considerable amount of money and proportionately very huge compared to the premium paid.
Why compare term plans? This question is very important. The answer is not just difference in premium or different claim settlement ratios of companies. But different companies provide various other features that add to the basic term plan. Be it monthly income or extra coverage for some critical diseases, some companies hire a specialist team to provide claim assistance to the nominee etc. Thus, when purchasing a term plan one must be aware of the different features or riders (added benefits) provided by the insurer. Each person has a different type of requirement. Thus, one must be clear which company provides those features in their term plans that suit their requirements best. Thus, comparing term plans before just buying is a wise thing to do and all experts recommend it.
Now another question comes, how to compare? This is a very relevant question because nowadays you find insurance companies in every nook and corner. LIC is no more the sole player selling life insurance. With so many companies offering term plans with different features, it is havoc to even dare to think of comparing. These agents would do anything in their capacity to make you believe that only their company's plan is the best. So, you don't get the right information. We cannot expect you to study websites of all the insurance companies and chart out the best plan for yourself.
That problem is now addressed to a great extent by the rising capacity these insurance web aggregators are assuming in the insurance space. They intend to provide unbiased comparison in a very consumer friendly way. Thus, it is a good initiative taken by IRDA to promote Insurance Web Aggregators that provide healthy comparison in the best interest of the consumer.
Why compare term plans? This question is very important. The answer is not just difference in premium or different claim settlement ratios of companies. But different companies provide various other features that add to the basic term plan. Be it monthly income or extra coverage for some critical diseases, some companies hire a specialist team to provide claim assistance to the nominee etc. Thus, when purchasing a term plan one must be aware of the different features or riders (added benefits) provided by the insurer. Each person has a different type of requirement. Thus, one must be clear which company provides those features in their term plans that suit their requirements best. Thus, comparing term plans before just buying is a wise thing to do and all experts recommend it.
Now another question comes, how to compare? This is a very relevant question because nowadays you find insurance companies in every nook and corner. LIC is no more the sole player selling life insurance. With so many companies offering term plans with different features, it is havoc to even dare to think of comparing. These agents would do anything in their capacity to make you believe that only their company's plan is the best. So, you don't get the right information. We cannot expect you to study websites of all the insurance companies and chart out the best plan for yourself.
That problem is now addressed to a great extent by the rising capacity these insurance web aggregators are assuming in the insurance space. They intend to provide unbiased comparison in a very consumer friendly way. Thus, it is a good initiative taken by IRDA to promote Insurance Web Aggregators that provide healthy comparison in the best interest of the consumer.
Unemployment Insurance - The Controllable Tax
While often overlooked, unemployment insurance (UI) tax is a unique and interesting business obligation, because it is the tax over which a company has significant control. The ability to control both the size of the base exposed to taxation as well as the tax rate itself means planning opportunities exist here that are not found in other forms of taxation.
Consider that:
It may be altogether avoidable, depending on your state, business structure and appropriate use of independent contractors, and
It is highly responsive to behaviors and actions that you can control, monitor and measure.
Unlike a sales or income tax, unemployment insurance does not directly tax revenue or profitability. Rather, it is similar to an ad valorem tax in that it is a type of tax on productive capacity. But unlike an ad valorem tax, a company has control over the base on which that tax is levied. UI is based on a measure of payroll and smart job structuring and hiring decisions allow a company to maximize revenue with a certain sized workforce while minimizing payroll exposed to taxation.
Unlike other taxes, unemployment insurance tax rate is experience rated. This means that, in most states, a company's rate is based largely on its previous success in defending UI claims. Because of this experience rating aspect of UI, implementing effective changes today benefits not only the current quarter, but the years to come.
Companies that operate with UI consequences in mind can realize benefits beyond a lower tax rate. Often they see improvements in HR and communication processes in addition to becoming more efficient due to some standardization. In implementing changes, proactivity is the key and the human resources department is where most of the work must be done - especially in the areas of position announcement, selection, communication and retention.
It was mentioned that in the appropriate use of independent contractors can help a company avoid unemployment taxation altogether. But "appropriate" must be understood in light of UI laws in the state(s) where it does business. Each state's law regarding independent contractors must be understood or the company could face contractors being reclassified as employees.
However, if properly managed, unemployment insurance can be reduced until it's a relatively small business obligation. But to accomplish this, companies must implement change with an in-depth understanding of their state's UI laws, policy and practices. Thus, company's should consider consulting with experts in each new state where they are doing business, rather than learn state specific legislation as mistakes are made.
Consider that:
It may be altogether avoidable, depending on your state, business structure and appropriate use of independent contractors, and
It is highly responsive to behaviors and actions that you can control, monitor and measure.
Unlike a sales or income tax, unemployment insurance does not directly tax revenue or profitability. Rather, it is similar to an ad valorem tax in that it is a type of tax on productive capacity. But unlike an ad valorem tax, a company has control over the base on which that tax is levied. UI is based on a measure of payroll and smart job structuring and hiring decisions allow a company to maximize revenue with a certain sized workforce while minimizing payroll exposed to taxation.
Unlike other taxes, unemployment insurance tax rate is experience rated. This means that, in most states, a company's rate is based largely on its previous success in defending UI claims. Because of this experience rating aspect of UI, implementing effective changes today benefits not only the current quarter, but the years to come.
Companies that operate with UI consequences in mind can realize benefits beyond a lower tax rate. Often they see improvements in HR and communication processes in addition to becoming more efficient due to some standardization. In implementing changes, proactivity is the key and the human resources department is where most of the work must be done - especially in the areas of position announcement, selection, communication and retention.
It was mentioned that in the appropriate use of independent contractors can help a company avoid unemployment taxation altogether. But "appropriate" must be understood in light of UI laws in the state(s) where it does business. Each state's law regarding independent contractors must be understood or the company could face contractors being reclassified as employees.
However, if properly managed, unemployment insurance can be reduced until it's a relatively small business obligation. But to accomplish this, companies must implement change with an in-depth understanding of their state's UI laws, policy and practices. Thus, company's should consider consulting with experts in each new state where they are doing business, rather than learn state specific legislation as mistakes are made.
Unemployment Insurance - Purpose and Summary
Unemployment insurance (UI) is a form of insurance that American society has with itself. Its purpose to create a savings pool from which qualified workers can draw if they are out of work under certain circumstances. By receiving an income during periods of unemployment, recipients can afford basic necessities until they can again be productively employed. Considering how dependent the American economy is on consumer spending, the inability of people to engage each other economically can have drastic and eventually far-reaching consequences.
The UI social safety net differs somewhat from other welfare type programs in that it is not based on economic need, but upon past employment history and the circumstances surrounding the worker's separation from their previous employment. People that have been in the workforce for longer periods of time are generally able to receive benefits for more weeks. Since UI is a form of replacement income, the dollar value of benefits a person can receive is tied to the wages they received while working.
Viewed from one perspective, UI functions as a type of government mandated savings plan for workers, by requiring liable companies to "hold back" revenue that could otherwise be distributed to them. Viewed from another perspective, unemployment insurance is a type of tax on the economic prosperity that the workers create. Either way the cost of UI to business is determined largely by the amount of potential future benefits workers might receive and the taxing policies adopted by those in charge of each state's UI program.
Funding for unemployment insurance comes from two sources - separate state and federal UI taxes. Liable companies pay a UI tax to their state government, creating a trust fund for the payment of future benefits. These same companies pay a federal unemployment tax to the IRS each year. Annually, each state receives a grant of these federal taxes to fund the employees and UI services that their UI agency provides.
This dual funding mechanism mirrors the dual approach to administration that operates UI programs across the nation. Since the federal taxes pay for UI employees and services, the federal government sets out broad program requirements that the states must operate within as well as operating goals and targets that they must meet. For example, states must operate in such as way that a certain percentage of submitted UI claims are adjudicated and paid within 21 days. Since state UI taxes pay for benefits, state agencies decide tax provisions that fund the benefits as well as rules that allow or deny individual UI claims.
This structure, both for funding and operating the UI program, allows for a healthy tension to exist between the large and diverse stakeholder populations that can be impacted by the UI program.
The UI social safety net differs somewhat from other welfare type programs in that it is not based on economic need, but upon past employment history and the circumstances surrounding the worker's separation from their previous employment. People that have been in the workforce for longer periods of time are generally able to receive benefits for more weeks. Since UI is a form of replacement income, the dollar value of benefits a person can receive is tied to the wages they received while working.
Viewed from one perspective, UI functions as a type of government mandated savings plan for workers, by requiring liable companies to "hold back" revenue that could otherwise be distributed to them. Viewed from another perspective, unemployment insurance is a type of tax on the economic prosperity that the workers create. Either way the cost of UI to business is determined largely by the amount of potential future benefits workers might receive and the taxing policies adopted by those in charge of each state's UI program.
Funding for unemployment insurance comes from two sources - separate state and federal UI taxes. Liable companies pay a UI tax to their state government, creating a trust fund for the payment of future benefits. These same companies pay a federal unemployment tax to the IRS each year. Annually, each state receives a grant of these federal taxes to fund the employees and UI services that their UI agency provides.
This dual funding mechanism mirrors the dual approach to administration that operates UI programs across the nation. Since the federal taxes pay for UI employees and services, the federal government sets out broad program requirements that the states must operate within as well as operating goals and targets that they must meet. For example, states must operate in such as way that a certain percentage of submitted UI claims are adjudicated and paid within 21 days. Since state UI taxes pay for benefits, state agencies decide tax provisions that fund the benefits as well as rules that allow or deny individual UI claims.
This structure, both for funding and operating the UI program, allows for a healthy tension to exist between the large and diverse stakeholder populations that can be impacted by the UI program.
Buying Financial Insurance in Canada
If you're a Canadian and have been in the workforce for a decade or more, then you know that your income purchases less today than the first year of your working career. Inflation is a part of our society and while our government continues to devalue our money by printing more and more of it, inflation will undoubtedly continue. This is not only a Canadian concern though. All around the world people are feeling the effects of inflation due to excessive money printing; but more on that another time. The long-and-short-of-it all is this: YOUR MONEY WILL continue to BUY LESS as the years go by.
A quick 100-year calculation using the Bank of Canada (BoC) inflation calculator showed the cost of a fixed "basket" of consumer purchases in 1915 was $100.00. At the end of 2015 that cost was $2,083.61. More recently, over the last 10 years prices have gone up 18.01%. Has your income gone up by the same or greater?
The answer is probably, No.
Whether you're a six-figure earner or you make 30k a year, your "money" is losing buying power. There are a lot of ways that you can protect your money from devaluation but we'll discuss two common options people take.
One option is the stock market; put a lump of your savings into a portfolio and see what happens. Sounds like gambling to me. But if you're prepared to leave your finances up to other factors (and people) other than your own due diligence, then putting your money into stocks may be a good fit for you under the following two conditions:
You have the stomach for volatility and,
Your primary objective is to see a substantial return in a short period of time... hopefully.
Another option, and this tends to be the easiest and most selected, is to open a bank savings account. No hassle involved; just open the account, decide how much you want to save and how often, put it on auto-pilot and watch your savings grow.
Really?
In today's economy, bank savings accounts are not a viable savings vehicle. Most of the interest rates offered are earning below inflation rates. The sad reality is many savers make a future withdrawal only to realize that thy have lost money on an after-inflation basis.
So, what do you do if you're not a savvy investor?
Buy financial insurance.
We have insurance for almost every aspect of our lives yet insurance is something many of us hopes we never need to use.
Buying financial insurance in Canada, or anywhere else for that matter, is putting your money into a vehicle that is protected long-term from the ups and downs of the volatile economy.
Buying financial insurance preserves your buying power and provides a hedge against inflation.
The global economy is changing but the only economy that should matter to you is yours.
A quick 100-year calculation using the Bank of Canada (BoC) inflation calculator showed the cost of a fixed "basket" of consumer purchases in 1915 was $100.00. At the end of 2015 that cost was $2,083.61. More recently, over the last 10 years prices have gone up 18.01%. Has your income gone up by the same or greater?
The answer is probably, No.
Whether you're a six-figure earner or you make 30k a year, your "money" is losing buying power. There are a lot of ways that you can protect your money from devaluation but we'll discuss two common options people take.
One option is the stock market; put a lump of your savings into a portfolio and see what happens. Sounds like gambling to me. But if you're prepared to leave your finances up to other factors (and people) other than your own due diligence, then putting your money into stocks may be a good fit for you under the following two conditions:
You have the stomach for volatility and,
Your primary objective is to see a substantial return in a short period of time... hopefully.
Another option, and this tends to be the easiest and most selected, is to open a bank savings account. No hassle involved; just open the account, decide how much you want to save and how often, put it on auto-pilot and watch your savings grow.
Really?
In today's economy, bank savings accounts are not a viable savings vehicle. Most of the interest rates offered are earning below inflation rates. The sad reality is many savers make a future withdrawal only to realize that thy have lost money on an after-inflation basis.
So, what do you do if you're not a savvy investor?
Buy financial insurance.
We have insurance for almost every aspect of our lives yet insurance is something many of us hopes we never need to use.
Buying financial insurance in Canada, or anywhere else for that matter, is putting your money into a vehicle that is protected long-term from the ups and downs of the volatile economy.
Buying financial insurance preserves your buying power and provides a hedge against inflation.
The global economy is changing but the only economy that should matter to you is yours.
Proper Information Aids You in Making Smart Decisions
Life gives you many alternatives. The most important decision you have to make is to choose among those alternatives. This task becomes even more complex when there are a large number of alternatives. It is a known fact that you are able to take good decisions when you have decent subject knowledge. With proper knowledge you are at a higher perspective. You are able to compare the options and go for the one which weighs highest amongst its competitors.
When we talk about buying insurance policies, you would find that there are so many companies selling nearly similar products. Thus, here you would have to scrutinize carefully which company or product gives you the best deal. Having proper knowledge about the company liquidity, claims settlement ratios and their services would make your comparison better and would aid you to take the best possible decision. Analyze your needs and decide how much insurance you need. Calculate the premium charged by various companies for your type of insurance requirement. You would be surprised to know that there is significant difference in the premiums charged by companies. Newer companies generally charge lower premium to win the competition in their favour. Here you have to decide whether you would trust a new company for lower premium. Calculate your risk hunch. These days most of this information is available online. Online sources give adequate and mostly unbiased information to aid your research for taking the optimum decision. Surely, you would like to get good value for the hard earned money spent by you. It hurts when you know later that you could by a better product for the price spent by you. Thus, do thorough research prior to buying an insurance product.
When you have your valuable assets insured you get a peace that is unmatched. To attain that peace do a little research and get a plan that best fulfills your needs and ambitions. You can concentrate better on your core duties when you have arranged to safeguard your assets. Proper comparison weeds out weak insurance policies from the market and companies are forced to upgrade their offerings.
Online portals provide a good base to compare the plans of various companies and let the customer buy the best. They are able to take well informed decisions. This openness forces insurance companies to withdraw their bad products and bring out modified plans with competitive features. With healthy comparison you can chose plans that suit your needs and requirements best. As it is a well understood fact that every individual has different needs and expectations from insurance. Thus, be well informed. As earlier said there are many people in the market who would cheat you and induce you into buying a weak insurance plan. By comparing plans online people save significant amounts of money and avail plans with good coverage. When you purchase plans online everything is documented and recorded. Thus, the propensity to cheat reduces significantly.
Comparison always promotes quality. When the customer is well informed the companies are driven to constantly improve their offerings. It ensures better service. You get the maximum value for the money spent by you. You get to know your insurance requirements by online research.
When we talk about buying insurance policies, you would find that there are so many companies selling nearly similar products. Thus, here you would have to scrutinize carefully which company or product gives you the best deal. Having proper knowledge about the company liquidity, claims settlement ratios and their services would make your comparison better and would aid you to take the best possible decision. Analyze your needs and decide how much insurance you need. Calculate the premium charged by various companies for your type of insurance requirement. You would be surprised to know that there is significant difference in the premiums charged by companies. Newer companies generally charge lower premium to win the competition in their favour. Here you have to decide whether you would trust a new company for lower premium. Calculate your risk hunch. These days most of this information is available online. Online sources give adequate and mostly unbiased information to aid your research for taking the optimum decision. Surely, you would like to get good value for the hard earned money spent by you. It hurts when you know later that you could by a better product for the price spent by you. Thus, do thorough research prior to buying an insurance product.
When you have your valuable assets insured you get a peace that is unmatched. To attain that peace do a little research and get a plan that best fulfills your needs and ambitions. You can concentrate better on your core duties when you have arranged to safeguard your assets. Proper comparison weeds out weak insurance policies from the market and companies are forced to upgrade their offerings.
Online portals provide a good base to compare the plans of various companies and let the customer buy the best. They are able to take well informed decisions. This openness forces insurance companies to withdraw their bad products and bring out modified plans with competitive features. With healthy comparison you can chose plans that suit your needs and requirements best. As it is a well understood fact that every individual has different needs and expectations from insurance. Thus, be well informed. As earlier said there are many people in the market who would cheat you and induce you into buying a weak insurance plan. By comparing plans online people save significant amounts of money and avail plans with good coverage. When you purchase plans online everything is documented and recorded. Thus, the propensity to cheat reduces significantly.
Comparison always promotes quality. When the customer is well informed the companies are driven to constantly improve their offerings. It ensures better service. You get the maximum value for the money spent by you. You get to know your insurance requirements by online research.
Physician Reimbursement Fraud: Are You A Victim?
Have you ever been sedated by general anesthesia and wonder what really occurs? A patient came into the office to receive a routine tooth extraction and to have a tooth capped. After the patient was sedated, the surgery began. The extraction went as planned and we began to proceed to cap the damaged tooth. As the surgeon examined the broken tooth, he discovered capping would not be beneficial; but to file it down. I felt as this was an act of generosity; he saved the tooth and the patient did not have to file such a large claim to the insurance company. When the case was completed the surgeon filled out the proper paper work, filed it with administration and informed the patient that the extraction and capping of the tooth went exceptionally well. While leading the patient out of the office I glanced at the super bill and under the column of procedures, the CPT code for capping a tooth was marked as if that procedure took place. As I approached the surgeon about this, I suspected it to be a mistake. How would you feel if a surgeon replied with," they (the patient) will never know, it comes out of the insurance companies' pocket."
The previous account is an example of reimbursement fraud. There are accounts of physicians committing fraud, and yet, the small number of dishonest surgeons is rarely detected. Reimbursement fraud is a scheme used by employees/employers to claim a higher payout when an action or motive did not take place (Wynia, Cummins, VanGeest, & Wilson 2000). This action is against the law, and physician penalties entail: paying high fines, subject to imprisonment, and possibly termination of the practice. Misleading CPT codes are the most efficient way of reimbursement fraud in the medical field. CPT codes are a five digit number that describes medical treatment procedures and aid in billing. Physicians can easily alter cost amounts by changing one number in the CPT code. By acting on this, the physician has not only betrayed the patient, but has committed a crime, and costs insurances companies thousands of dollars.
Reimbursement fraud can be stopped in numerous ways. As a patient, after a procedure demand detailed receipts of what charges have been applied. This receipt will include all procedures that took place, co-payments collected if needed and CPT codes. The CPT codes will not make sense, but as a patient you do have the right to research what the code may interpret. Another way to protect yourself is to inquire about scheduling a conference with the staff that was present during the procedure. In doing so, you as the patient, are reinforcing your questions or concerns with an eyewitness. If you or someone you know may suspect reimbursement fraud please call 1-800-318-2596 (Palmer, 2013).
The previous account is an example of reimbursement fraud. There are accounts of physicians committing fraud, and yet, the small number of dishonest surgeons is rarely detected. Reimbursement fraud is a scheme used by employees/employers to claim a higher payout when an action or motive did not take place (Wynia, Cummins, VanGeest, & Wilson 2000). This action is against the law, and physician penalties entail: paying high fines, subject to imprisonment, and possibly termination of the practice. Misleading CPT codes are the most efficient way of reimbursement fraud in the medical field. CPT codes are a five digit number that describes medical treatment procedures and aid in billing. Physicians can easily alter cost amounts by changing one number in the CPT code. By acting on this, the physician has not only betrayed the patient, but has committed a crime, and costs insurances companies thousands of dollars.
Reimbursement fraud can be stopped in numerous ways. As a patient, after a procedure demand detailed receipts of what charges have been applied. This receipt will include all procedures that took place, co-payments collected if needed and CPT codes. The CPT codes will not make sense, but as a patient you do have the right to research what the code may interpret. Another way to protect yourself is to inquire about scheduling a conference with the staff that was present during the procedure. In doing so, you as the patient, are reinforcing your questions or concerns with an eyewitness. If you or someone you know may suspect reimbursement fraud please call 1-800-318-2596 (Palmer, 2013).
How to Find the Best Insurance Agency
When you need coverage, you should look to your insurance agency to find the right policy. You might not be aware of some of the policies available to you. While you might think your traditional insurance will cover everything, you might be surprised to find out where traditional homeowner's, rental, medical, and car coverage fall short.
Different Types of Coverage
If you should determine that you need any of these supplemental options, you should check with your insurance agency to find out whether they offer the coverage in question. Not all underwriters offer these policies. You may have to get these supplemental offerings from other agents.
If you have a dog, then you might want to purchase a dog bite or "pet liability" plan. While you might think that your four-legged friend would never harm anyone, there is always a chance that it could happen. According to the Insurance Information Institute, half of all incidents happen on the owner's property. While homeowner's liability may cover the medical costs, there can be complications, such as when incidents happen away from home. Having a specific dog bite policy will handle any unforeseen problems.
Those who live in coastal areas will want to get flood insurance. This protects your belongings from damage due to floods. What most homeowners don't realize is that traditional homeowner's plans do not cover this damage. That is why it is important to purchase these policies separately.
Burial coverage gives your surviving family members money to pay the cost of your funeral and burial. The cost is nominal, totaling only a few dollars a week or month. This policy is not often sold through a traditional insurance agency. You will either have to go to a broker or purchase from a funeral home.
Personal electronic equipment policies give you more protection than the standard homeowner's plan. A traditional plan does not cover damage caused by installation errors. These programs offer repair or replacement of electronics such as computers, stereos, and televisions.
If you have valuable items like jewelry or high-end electronics, then you want to have supplemental coverage. While your homeowners plan does cover some items in the event of fire or theft, it does not cover everything.
Some businesses offer their full-time employees short-term disability. However, if your company is not one of those groups, you should look into having short-term disability added. Medical plans will help to cover bills from doctors and hospitals, but it will not help to cover normal monthly bills that can pile up if you have to miss work. While not all short-term disability programs are the same, it is something you should check into to ensure that you don't fall behind on your bills.
You need to research and understand the different types of coverage available to you. If you are unsure, an insurance agency can assist you in finding the information you require.
Different Types of Coverage
If you should determine that you need any of these supplemental options, you should check with your insurance agency to find out whether they offer the coverage in question. Not all underwriters offer these policies. You may have to get these supplemental offerings from other agents.
If you have a dog, then you might want to purchase a dog bite or "pet liability" plan. While you might think that your four-legged friend would never harm anyone, there is always a chance that it could happen. According to the Insurance Information Institute, half of all incidents happen on the owner's property. While homeowner's liability may cover the medical costs, there can be complications, such as when incidents happen away from home. Having a specific dog bite policy will handle any unforeseen problems.
Those who live in coastal areas will want to get flood insurance. This protects your belongings from damage due to floods. What most homeowners don't realize is that traditional homeowner's plans do not cover this damage. That is why it is important to purchase these policies separately.
Burial coverage gives your surviving family members money to pay the cost of your funeral and burial. The cost is nominal, totaling only a few dollars a week or month. This policy is not often sold through a traditional insurance agency. You will either have to go to a broker or purchase from a funeral home.
Personal electronic equipment policies give you more protection than the standard homeowner's plan. A traditional plan does not cover damage caused by installation errors. These programs offer repair or replacement of electronics such as computers, stereos, and televisions.
If you have valuable items like jewelry or high-end electronics, then you want to have supplemental coverage. While your homeowners plan does cover some items in the event of fire or theft, it does not cover everything.
Some businesses offer their full-time employees short-term disability. However, if your company is not one of those groups, you should look into having short-term disability added. Medical plans will help to cover bills from doctors and hospitals, but it will not help to cover normal monthly bills that can pile up if you have to miss work. While not all short-term disability programs are the same, it is something you should check into to ensure that you don't fall behind on your bills.
You need to research and understand the different types of coverage available to you. If you are unsure, an insurance agency can assist you in finding the information you require.
How To Get The Best Insurance Quotes
What things should you keep in mind when looking for a way to make payments to your current insurer without any hassle? What does the insurance cover? Can you go for the online insurance option? Read on for the answers to these commonly asked questions.
Most people tend to pay their insurance company whatever amount they demand in order to avoid the hassle. But is it compulsory for you to get car insurance quotes from a local company? No, you are not bound to do so, especially if you have access to the Internet. Almost, everything costs you loss if you buy it online, isn't it? So, why can't you get insurance quotes online? Of course, you can.
How to get quotes?
There is no doubt that the web has brought a revolution in the world of car insurance. Nowadays, getting insurance quotes from the comfort of your home is a piece of cake. There are so many insurance providers online that their quotes have become quite competitive.
So, how can you get quotes online? Well, it is simple. All you need to do is go to an insurance site offering quotes online upon request. Once you have chosen a site, you can enter your details and the hit Enter. You will get a quote instantly or after a few hours in your email. As an alternative, you can try out an insurance aggregator website, which will submit your entered information to a number of online insurers. You will get a lot of quotes in seconds in your desired order.
Once you have got the cheapest quote, you can complete your transaction by phone or through the website of the company that offered the quote.
Choose a responsive provider
Most people have to deal with dishonest insurers since they don't have the information they need. With the advent of online insurance companies, it has become a lot easier to get cheap insurance. If you have no idea where to go and what to do, you may want to try out an insurance quote aggregator site. What do you need to keep in mind during your research? The first and foremost thing is that you should not go with a company offering the lowest quotes and low quality service. The insurer should be ready to answer your questions when you call them. Moreover, they should respond to your emails and calls promptly.
Lastly, it is very important to keep in mind that you should go with only an insurance provider who is popular and trust worthy. What does this mean? How can you find out if an insurance provider is trusty worthy? You can easily weed good providers out of bad ones. You just need to go to insurance provider review sites and then read reviews on several providers. At the end, you should choose one that has lots of positive reviews.
So, if you are looking for cheap insurance quotes, you can use the two methods explained above. Since there are so many insurance providers online, it looks like the days of conventional, local brokers have been numbered. With the passage of time, online insurance quote providers will run circles around local providers.
Most people tend to pay their insurance company whatever amount they demand in order to avoid the hassle. But is it compulsory for you to get car insurance quotes from a local company? No, you are not bound to do so, especially if you have access to the Internet. Almost, everything costs you loss if you buy it online, isn't it? So, why can't you get insurance quotes online? Of course, you can.
How to get quotes?
There is no doubt that the web has brought a revolution in the world of car insurance. Nowadays, getting insurance quotes from the comfort of your home is a piece of cake. There are so many insurance providers online that their quotes have become quite competitive.
So, how can you get quotes online? Well, it is simple. All you need to do is go to an insurance site offering quotes online upon request. Once you have chosen a site, you can enter your details and the hit Enter. You will get a quote instantly or after a few hours in your email. As an alternative, you can try out an insurance aggregator website, which will submit your entered information to a number of online insurers. You will get a lot of quotes in seconds in your desired order.
Once you have got the cheapest quote, you can complete your transaction by phone or through the website of the company that offered the quote.
Choose a responsive provider
Most people have to deal with dishonest insurers since they don't have the information they need. With the advent of online insurance companies, it has become a lot easier to get cheap insurance. If you have no idea where to go and what to do, you may want to try out an insurance quote aggregator site. What do you need to keep in mind during your research? The first and foremost thing is that you should not go with a company offering the lowest quotes and low quality service. The insurer should be ready to answer your questions when you call them. Moreover, they should respond to your emails and calls promptly.
Lastly, it is very important to keep in mind that you should go with only an insurance provider who is popular and trust worthy. What does this mean? How can you find out if an insurance provider is trusty worthy? You can easily weed good providers out of bad ones. You just need to go to insurance provider review sites and then read reviews on several providers. At the end, you should choose one that has lots of positive reviews.
So, if you are looking for cheap insurance quotes, you can use the two methods explained above. Since there are so many insurance providers online, it looks like the days of conventional, local brokers have been numbered. With the passage of time, online insurance quote providers will run circles around local providers.
Tips for Saving Money on Insurance Premiums
For those who are looking to save some money in the new year, it may be beneficial to research some ways to reduce the costs of car insurance premiums. There are a variety of ways to pay less money each month. The following are some ideas to consider implementing in order to reduce monthly spending:
Liability Coverage on Older Vehicles
For anyone who has older vehicles, carrying only liability insurance is one way to reduce premiums. This is especially helpful for those who have older vehicles in addition to their vehicles used for primary transportation. Removing the collision and comprehensive pay can be a good way to reduce spending, particularly if the value of the vehicle is low. It could be that the cost of insuring the vehicle is higher than the replacement value.
One main consideration with this idea is whether or not there are payments due on the car. For anyone who is still financing, the agency may not allow a drop in coverage until it is paid in full. Also, if there is no way to replace the vehicle in the event of a crash, full coverage may be needed until funds are in place to do so.
Inquire About Safe Driver Discounts
Many agencies will offer discounts to those who have a clean driving record. These discounts are typically provided to those who have no tickets or accidents on their driving record in a specified timeframe. In addition, drivers should not have made any claims for comprehensive repairs, such as broken windshields.
Ask About Discounts for Good Grades
For those with children of driving age, a good report card can prove to be beneficial with regard to insurance costs. Discounts are often provided to kids who maintain a certain grade point average. The amount of the discount will vary from agency to agency. Also, the insurance agent will likely ask for proof of grade point average from time to time, so be prepared to provide that information on a regular basis.
Do Not Drive As Often
For those who are at a point in which they are not driving as often as they used to, agencies may provide a discount for doing so. If driving less is not an option, there still may be options to attain this discount. This can be done through carpooling or traveling using public transportation. This not only accomplishes the goal of spending less, but it will also save money in fuel costs, maintenance, and repairs on a vehicle. For those interested in this type of discount, the agency may require a device to be placed in the car to track mileage. Alternatively, the insurer may request a manual report of mileage on a regular basis.
Saving money is often a priority for many families, and saving on insurance premiums is an ideal place to start. Check with different insurers to see if additional discounts are offered that are different from the current agencies. It may be worthwhile to change providers to take advantage of these cost-saving measures.
Liability Coverage on Older Vehicles
For anyone who has older vehicles, carrying only liability insurance is one way to reduce premiums. This is especially helpful for those who have older vehicles in addition to their vehicles used for primary transportation. Removing the collision and comprehensive pay can be a good way to reduce spending, particularly if the value of the vehicle is low. It could be that the cost of insuring the vehicle is higher than the replacement value.
One main consideration with this idea is whether or not there are payments due on the car. For anyone who is still financing, the agency may not allow a drop in coverage until it is paid in full. Also, if there is no way to replace the vehicle in the event of a crash, full coverage may be needed until funds are in place to do so.
Inquire About Safe Driver Discounts
Many agencies will offer discounts to those who have a clean driving record. These discounts are typically provided to those who have no tickets or accidents on their driving record in a specified timeframe. In addition, drivers should not have made any claims for comprehensive repairs, such as broken windshields.
Ask About Discounts for Good Grades
For those with children of driving age, a good report card can prove to be beneficial with regard to insurance costs. Discounts are often provided to kids who maintain a certain grade point average. The amount of the discount will vary from agency to agency. Also, the insurance agent will likely ask for proof of grade point average from time to time, so be prepared to provide that information on a regular basis.
Do Not Drive As Often
For those who are at a point in which they are not driving as often as they used to, agencies may provide a discount for doing so. If driving less is not an option, there still may be options to attain this discount. This can be done through carpooling or traveling using public transportation. This not only accomplishes the goal of spending less, but it will also save money in fuel costs, maintenance, and repairs on a vehicle. For those interested in this type of discount, the agency may require a device to be placed in the car to track mileage. Alternatively, the insurer may request a manual report of mileage on a regular basis.
Saving money is often a priority for many families, and saving on insurance premiums is an ideal place to start. Check with different insurers to see if additional discounts are offered that are different from the current agencies. It may be worthwhile to change providers to take advantage of these cost-saving measures.
How to Instill Trust in Your Customers Using Internet Marketing
Trust is another building block of your internet empire, actually trust is more like a cornerstone than a building block really. The only way that you could even remotely achieve gaining the trust of your audience is by providing useful and interesting content. Kind of like those bite size promotions you sometimes see in the supermarket, and then the craving inspires you to purchase the whole product. Internet marketing is pretty much the same and if the "Taste" you provide lands up in the rubbish bin (so to speak), then a sale will sadly be completely out of the question.
The only way that you will be able to provide the needed inspiring information is to have extended knowledge of the latest trends and solutions to problems within your niche. Give your audience some samples they can test of your method, tactic, system, program or even blog or website. It is crucial that you share something valuable that could preferably offer a solution to a known problem.
Engage your audience and offer advice to questions asked and ideas shared. Not only will this be more likely to turn a visitor into a buyer, but it will also be very effective in exposing you as a professional. Instilling trust in your audience has absolutely No Place for a sales pitch, which is like a sip of cold coffee in the morning!
No, you want to show your audience how to do something or how to accomplish something they have been struggling with. It's like setting a potential buyer at ease because after they see the successful results of what it is you are sharing, they will most certainly want to know more of what you know. The ability to instil trust in your audience comes with experience and in most cases a lot of failed attempts at several results. Failure is what adds exquisite taste to success, because nothing you do online is in vain.
If you want to instill trust then you must sacrifice the needed time and effort to learn as much as you can and become a professional within your niche. That is one of the main reasons why it takes time to successfully make money online, and a willingness to learn is your best weapon.
Give your audience reason to trust you and they will even follow you and share your content because if it's helpful to them, they will want everyone to know about it.
The only way that you will be able to provide the needed inspiring information is to have extended knowledge of the latest trends and solutions to problems within your niche. Give your audience some samples they can test of your method, tactic, system, program or even blog or website. It is crucial that you share something valuable that could preferably offer a solution to a known problem.
Engage your audience and offer advice to questions asked and ideas shared. Not only will this be more likely to turn a visitor into a buyer, but it will also be very effective in exposing you as a professional. Instilling trust in your audience has absolutely No Place for a sales pitch, which is like a sip of cold coffee in the morning!
No, you want to show your audience how to do something or how to accomplish something they have been struggling with. It's like setting a potential buyer at ease because after they see the successful results of what it is you are sharing, they will most certainly want to know more of what you know. The ability to instil trust in your audience comes with experience and in most cases a lot of failed attempts at several results. Failure is what adds exquisite taste to success, because nothing you do online is in vain.
If you want to instill trust then you must sacrifice the needed time and effort to learn as much as you can and become a professional within your niche. That is one of the main reasons why it takes time to successfully make money online, and a willingness to learn is your best weapon.
Give your audience reason to trust you and they will even follow you and share your content because if it's helpful to them, they will want everyone to know about it.
Achieving Success - Find the Best Product to Market on the Internet
Finding the best product can only be possible providing you are targeting a specific Niche in which you must preferably specialise. Your profitable niche is anything you're good at and the possibilities are endless. Finding the best product may even take you weeks or months because you need to have a product that not only is in high demand, but also one that actually delivers. As an Affiliate Marketer there are several platforms you may want to use in obtaining the right product and for the purpose of this demonstration, let's go with ClickBank.
ClickBank is one of the largest digital sales platforms on the internet with over 300,000 products and 150,000 affiliate marketers. It's also one of the best places to list and even create your own product because you have so many affiliates waiting to promote your product. If you do not have a ClickBank account then simply visit ClickBank(.)com and open a free account as an affiliate, not a vendor just yet because you need to familiarize yourself with ClickBank first.
Inside the marketplace when you want to select a product to promote you can even check on the percentage commission offered which can be as high as 85%. You will notice that there is a search that will indicate "Gravity" and every product's gravity is also included on the marketplace drop down search page. Now a product with a gravity above 100 is an exceptionally good product to promote because it is high in demand. But there's a downside to that coin where the competition is equally fierce and you will face a lot of competition when driving traffic.
A high gravity means the product sells good and a lot of copies have been sold. A Low Gravity, below 100 means less competition in actually promoting the product, and normally offers a much better commission percentage. Promoting high gravity products will require quite some expertise.
There is only one way to truly be able to offer your audience a solution to a problem that actually works, and that is to personally purchase the product you are interested in promoting and testing it properly. Even contact the particular product support after purchasing when you get stuck because the only way you will be able to verify authenticity is to set up and test the product and system to its full potential.
That is why successful affiliate marketers are constantly testing different systems, programs, methods and tactics. It is what enables them to create useful and interesting content that converts to sales.
ClickBank is one of the largest digital sales platforms on the internet with over 300,000 products and 150,000 affiliate marketers. It's also one of the best places to list and even create your own product because you have so many affiliates waiting to promote your product. If you do not have a ClickBank account then simply visit ClickBank(.)com and open a free account as an affiliate, not a vendor just yet because you need to familiarize yourself with ClickBank first.
Inside the marketplace when you want to select a product to promote you can even check on the percentage commission offered which can be as high as 85%. You will notice that there is a search that will indicate "Gravity" and every product's gravity is also included on the marketplace drop down search page. Now a product with a gravity above 100 is an exceptionally good product to promote because it is high in demand. But there's a downside to that coin where the competition is equally fierce and you will face a lot of competition when driving traffic.
A high gravity means the product sells good and a lot of copies have been sold. A Low Gravity, below 100 means less competition in actually promoting the product, and normally offers a much better commission percentage. Promoting high gravity products will require quite some expertise.
There is only one way to truly be able to offer your audience a solution to a problem that actually works, and that is to personally purchase the product you are interested in promoting and testing it properly. Even contact the particular product support after purchasing when you get stuck because the only way you will be able to verify authenticity is to set up and test the product and system to its full potential.
That is why successful affiliate marketers are constantly testing different systems, programs, methods and tactics. It is what enables them to create useful and interesting content that converts to sales.
5 Digital Marketing Tips to Help You Succeed in 2016
Online marketing has a number of aspects, and you can improve all of the aspects should you follow a few easy tips. Given below are 5 tips you may want to follow in order to help you succeed in the world of digital marketing in 2016.
1. Answer Your Calls
First of all, let's start with something easy. The most important thing is that you must answer your phone. But if you fail to answer a call for some reason, just make certain you follow up as soon as possible. According to statistics, half of consumers like to do business with companies that tend to call them back as soon as possible. Therefore, you may lose a lot of potential customers if you fail to answer your business calls in a timely fashion.
2. Boost Advertising Results
Another important thing is that you must have a powerful SEO strategy for your online marketing campaign. If you don't have any in place, it's the time to do it now. What SEO does is help your product get found in search engine results. Aside from this, SEO also helps you with many other methods of advertising. Combining SEO with advertising, you may get twice as many visitors on your site.
3. Place Bids On Your Own Business Names
It's a good idea to bid on the name of your business as it will get you more space on major search engines. As a result, your brand will get more recognition and more customers will tend to click on your site link.
According to a study, the appearance of branded ads on the same results page in a search engine as organic links raised the number of clicks by 31%. Aside from this, it's common for competitors to place bids on the names of other business names. So if you find your competitors doing the same thing, you should take the right action.
4. Improve your online Reputation
Nowadays, online reputation carries a lot more significance than you can imagine. As a matter of fact, according to answers given by 90% consumers in a survey, positive online reviews helped them make the purchase decisions. Therefore, you may want to improve your online reputation through follow-up surveys and regular monitoring of the sites where you get reviews. Also, it is very important for you to respond to the reviews.
5. Use in-app ads
Do you know that most consumers spend up to 3 hours per day on their mobile phones? Another interesting fact is that about 86% of that time is spent on their favorite apps. What this means is that you must reach out to your customers with in-app mobile ads or you may risk losing a lot of consumers.
In-app ads make use of geofencing technology for displaying the ads to the target consumers as soon as they get in a certain radius. Seeing the ads, they may get in touch with you to know more about what you offer. Hope this will help.
1. Answer Your Calls
First of all, let's start with something easy. The most important thing is that you must answer your phone. But if you fail to answer a call for some reason, just make certain you follow up as soon as possible. According to statistics, half of consumers like to do business with companies that tend to call them back as soon as possible. Therefore, you may lose a lot of potential customers if you fail to answer your business calls in a timely fashion.
2. Boost Advertising Results
Another important thing is that you must have a powerful SEO strategy for your online marketing campaign. If you don't have any in place, it's the time to do it now. What SEO does is help your product get found in search engine results. Aside from this, SEO also helps you with many other methods of advertising. Combining SEO with advertising, you may get twice as many visitors on your site.
3. Place Bids On Your Own Business Names
It's a good idea to bid on the name of your business as it will get you more space on major search engines. As a result, your brand will get more recognition and more customers will tend to click on your site link.
According to a study, the appearance of branded ads on the same results page in a search engine as organic links raised the number of clicks by 31%. Aside from this, it's common for competitors to place bids on the names of other business names. So if you find your competitors doing the same thing, you should take the right action.
4. Improve your online Reputation
Nowadays, online reputation carries a lot more significance than you can imagine. As a matter of fact, according to answers given by 90% consumers in a survey, positive online reviews helped them make the purchase decisions. Therefore, you may want to improve your online reputation through follow-up surveys and regular monitoring of the sites where you get reviews. Also, it is very important for you to respond to the reviews.
5. Use in-app ads
Do you know that most consumers spend up to 3 hours per day on their mobile phones? Another interesting fact is that about 86% of that time is spent on their favorite apps. What this means is that you must reach out to your customers with in-app mobile ads or you may risk losing a lot of consumers.
In-app ads make use of geofencing technology for displaying the ads to the target consumers as soon as they get in a certain radius. Seeing the ads, they may get in touch with you to know more about what you offer. Hope this will help.
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